Topical ketoconazole for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review
January 2020
in “Dermatologic Therapy”
TLDR Ketoconazole may help regrow hair and increase follicle size, but more research needed.
This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of topical ketoconazole in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and found that it may be effective in increasing hair regrowth and follicle diameter. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness. Ketoconazole is a low-risk addition to the treatment regimen of any patient with AGA.
View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →
Cited in this study
research Topical ketoconazole: a systematic review of current dermatological applications and future developments
Ketoconazole cream is effective for skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and may help with hair loss and other skin issues, with generally mild side effects.
research A hypothetical pathogenesis model for androgenic alopecia: clarifying the dihydrotestosterone paradox and rate-limiting recovery factors
The model suggests that scalp tension could lead to hair loss, with factors like blood vessel hardening, enlarged oil glands, and poor microcirculation also playing a role. It also hints at a possible link between skull shape and baldness pattern.
research The effectiveness of treatments for androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Minoxidil, finasteride, and low-level laser light therapy effectively treat hair loss.
research Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study to Assess the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia
PRP treatment helps hair growth and density in androgenetic alopecia patients.
research Promotive Effect of Topical Ketoconazole, Minoxidil, and Minoxidil with Tretinoin on Hair Growth in Male Mice
Minoxidil with tretinoin boosts hair growth most effectively, followed by minoxidil alone, and then ketoconazole.
research Efficacy and Safety of a Low-level Laser Device in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Multicenter, Randomized, Sham Device-controlled, Double-blind Study
Laser device increases hair density, safe for treating hair loss in men and women.
research Minoxidil Use in Dermatology, Side Effects and Recent Patents
Minoxidil treats hair loss, promotes growth, has side effects, and has recent patents.
research Pilot Study of 15 Patients Receiving a New Treatment Regimen for Androgenic Alopecia: The Effects of Atopy on AGA
The new treatment regimen was effective in promoting significant hair growth in all 15 male patients with androgenic alopecia.
research HairMax LaserComb® Laser Phototherapy Device in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia
HairMax LaserComb® effectively promotes hair growth and stops hair loss in males with androgenetic alopecia, with no serious side effects.
research Reversal of androgenetic alopecia by topical ketoconzole: Relevance of anti-androgenic activity
Ketoconazole lotion can improve hair regrowth for some people with androgenetic alopecia.
research The importance of dual 5α-reductase inhibition in the treatment of male pattern hair loss: Results of a randomized placebo-controlled study of dutasteride versus finasteride
Dutasteride more effective for hair growth, but has more side effects than finasteride.
research Topical Application of Ketoconazole Stimulates Hair Growth in C3H/HeN Mice
Putting ketoconazole on the skin can help mice grow hair.
research Androgenetic Alopecia in Women
Androgenetic alopecia in women needs more research and better management strategies.
research Androgens and alopecia
Male hormones, particularly DHT, are linked to male pattern hair loss, and treatments like finasteride can help, but they don't work for postmenopausal women's hair loss, which may have different causes.
research Androgenetic alopecia: pathogenesis and potential for therapy
Hair loss needs more research for better treatments.
research Comparative Efficacy of Various Treatment Regimens for Androgenetic Alopecia in Men
Best hair growth results from combining finasteride and minoxidil.
research Teloptosis, a Turning Point in Hair Shedding Biorhythms
Teloptosis is a key point in hair loss that could help in creating prevention-focused hair care strategies.
research Lack of efficacy of finasteride in postmenopausal women with androgenetic alopecia
Finasteride doesn't effectively treat hair loss in postmenopausal women.
research Measuring Reversal of Hair Miniaturization in Androgenetic Alopecia by Follicular Counts in Horizontal Sections of Serial Scalp Biopsies: Results of Finasteride 1mg Treatment of Men and Postmenopausal Women
Finasteride 1mg helps reverse hair miniaturization in men and postmenopausal women.
research Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia
Finasteride safely and effectively treats male pattern hair loss, but may cause reversible sexual issues and harm male fetuses.
research Fortnightly review: Male pattern androgenetic alopecia
Hair loss in men is common, treatable, but not curable.
research Male pattern hair loss: current understanding
Genetics and hormones cause hair loss; finasteride treats it safely.
research Ketoconazole Shampoo: Effect of Long-Term Use in Androgenic Alopecia
Ketoconazole shampoo improves hair growth and reduces oil similarly to minoxidil in male pattern hair loss.
research The psychological effects of androgenetic alopecia in men
Hair loss can cause low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression in men.
research Increased Androgen Binding Capacity in Sebaceous Glands in Scalp of Male-pattern Baldness
Men with male-pattern baldness have more androgen receptors in their scalp's oil glands, which may contribute to hair loss.
research Use of topical minoxidil in the treatment of male pattern baldness
Minoxidil effectively regrows hair in male pattern baldness.
research Topical Minoxidil Therapy in Hereditary Androgenetic Alopecia
Using minoxidil on the scalp can help grow hair for people with hereditary baldness.