Topical Minoxidil in Alopecia Areata: No Effect on the Perifollicular Lymphoid Infiltration

July 1992 in “ Journal of Investigative Dermatology ”

Emilio L. Khoury, Vera H. Price, Maha Abdelsalam, Michael E. Stern, John S. Greenspan

topical minoxidil alopecia areata perifollicular lymphoid infiltration placebo histologic features immunopathologic features scalp hair regrowth Rogaine AA

From the encyclopedia

Alopecia Areata →

autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Studysummary Minoxidil doesn't affect perifollicular lymphoid infiltration in alopecia areata patients. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

This 30-year-old study investigated the effect of topical minoxidil on perifollicular lymphoid infiltration in patients with alopecia areata. The study found that there was no significant difference in the degree of infiltration between patients who received minoxidil and those who received a placebo. However, the study did suggest that histologic and immunopathologic features in baseline biopsies from both clinically affected and unaffected areas of the scalp may be prognostic indicators for hair regrowth in patients with extensive AA. Overall, the study concluded that topical minoxidil had no effect on perifollicular lymphoid infiltration in patients with alopecia areata.

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Research cited in this study

16 / 16 results

research Minoxidil: Inhibition of Proliferation of Keratinocytes In Vitro

14 citations , September 1991 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil slows down keratinocyte growth without being toxic.

research Minoxidil Sulfate Is the Active Metabolite That Stimulates Hair Follicles

166 citations , November 1990 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil sulfate stimulates hair growth.

research Minoxidil Stimulates Mouse Vibrissae Follicles in Organ Culture

121 citations , March 1989 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil can help grow hair in mice by making cells grow and improving hair quality. More research needed.

research Potential Mechanisms of Minoxidil-Induced Hair Growth in Alopecia Areata

26 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study suggests that topical minoxidil may aid hair regrowth in alopecia areata through synergistic effects on follicular epithelium and lymphocyte-mediated immunological responses, alongside its vasodilatory properties.

research Action of Topical Minoxidil in the Bald Stump-Tailed Macaque

78 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil promotes hair growth but stops working when discontinued.

research Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Evaluation of Topical Minoxidil in Extensive Alopecia Areata

104 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil helps hair growth in 63.6% of alopecia patients, with 27.3% having excellent results.

research Topical Minoxidil (3%) in Extensive Alopecia Areata, Including Long-Term Efficacy

54 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, 3% topical minoxidil showed some efficacy in hair regrowth for patients with extensive alopecia areata, especially those with less than total scalp hair loss, but did not lead to complete remission.

research Immunohistochemical Characterization of the Cellular Infiltrate in Severe Alopecia Areata Before and After Minoxidil Treatment

31 citations , January 1987 in “Dermatology”

This study reports that topical minoxidil led to normalization of hair follicle characteristics in 36 of 47 severe alopecia areata patients, and indicated a shift in T cell populations, suggesting potential immunomodulatory effects.

research Topical Minoxidil in Extensive Alopecia Areata, Including 3-Year Follow-Up

34 citations , January 1987 in “Dermatology”

In this study, topical minoxidil was found to be an effective, safe, and easy treatment for individuals with alopecia areata affecting 25–99% of the scalp, but less effective for total scalp hair loss.

research Effects of Minoxidil on Cultured Human Skin Fibroblasts

19 citations , January 1987 in “Dermatology”

This review discusses the effects of minoxidil on human skin fibroblasts, reporting its potential to inhibit lysyl hydroxylase activity and DNA synthesis, suggesting it may have antifibrotic applications for collagen-related skin conditions.

research In Vitro Suppression of Human Lymphocyte Activity by Minoxidil

17 citations , January 1985 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

In this study, minoxidil was found to suppress the activity of normal human T-lymphocytes in vitro, though the physiological relevance of this effect remains uncertain.

research Immunohistochemical and Electron Microscopic Characterization of the Cellular Infiltrate in Alopecia Areata, Totalis, and Universalis

78 citations , July 1984 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

research Alopecia Areata Treated With Topical Minoxidil

78 citations , April 1984 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that 1% minoxidil topical solution led to terminal hair regrowth in some patients with alopecia areata, though it was only cosmetically acceptable in less than half of those cases.

research Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

18 citations , March 1984 in “BMJ”

Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in alopecia, but more research needed.

research Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

80 citations , October 1983 in “BMJ”

This study found that 1% topical minoxidil induced significant hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata, though it was less effective for those with extensive hair loss such as alopecia totalis and universalis.

research Topical Minoxidil in Alopecia Areata

56 citations , August 1981 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in alopecia areata safely.