TLDR Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in alopecia, but more research needed.
This document is a letter to the editor of the British Medical Journal from 1984 discussing a double-blind trial of topical minoxidil in the treatment of alopecia areata. The study involved 28 patients with alopecia, and while 68% showed regrowth, only one patient had cosmetically acceptable regrowth of terminal hair. The study suggests that a higher concentration of minoxidil could be used to enhance the effect, but there is a risk of irritant reactions and systemic absorption. The authors note that further evaluation is needed.
56 citations
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August 1981 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in alopecia areata safely.
1 citations
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March 2017 in “PubMed” Topical minoxidil did not significantly regrow hair in alopecia areata patients after 3 months.
24 citations
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November 1992 in “Archives of Dermatology” Prednisone can regrow hair in alopecia areata, and minoxidil helps maintain it.
34 citations
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January 1987 in “Dermatology” Topical minoxidil effectively and safely treats extensive alopecia areata but doesn't change its course.
16 citations
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April 1984 in “Archives of Dermatology” Topical minoxidil can help hair regrowth in alopecia areata patients, but maintaining the growth after stopping treatment is inconsistent.
80 citations
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October 1983 in “BMJ” Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in alopecia patients, with 16 having good results and no side effects.
56 citations
,
August 1981 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in alopecia areata safely.