Topical Cetirizine for Treating Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review

    August 2022 in “ Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
    Xi Chen, Hong-Mei Xiang, Ming Yang
    TLDR 1% topical cetirizine may help treat hair loss but is less effective than minoxidil.
    This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness and safety of 1% topical cetirizine for treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The review included two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one non-randomized clinical trial, all of which had a moderate-to-high risk of bias. The findings suggest that topical cetirizine may be more effective than a placebo for AGA treatment. However, compared to topical minoxidil, cetirizine appears to be less effective in improving total and vellus hair density but might have a longer-lasting effect. Cetirizine could be as effective as minoxidil in improving hair diameter. The authors conclude that 1% topical cetirizine may be a viable option for patients who do not respond to minoxidil, but further well-designed RCTs are necessary to fully understand its role in AGA treatment.
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