Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

A study conducted in 1985 with 30 patients evaluated the effects of 1% topical minoxidil on alopecia areata and alopecia totalis. The results showed a significant incidence of hair regrowth, with 16 patients achieving a cosmetically acceptable response. No side effects were reported. The study concluded that while topical minoxidil could induce new hair growth in cases of alopecia areata, it was less effective for more severe forms like alopecia universalis and totalis. Despite this, minoxidil was considered relatively non-toxic, easy to use, and free of systemic or local side effects compared to other treatments.