Topical Minoxidil in Alopecia Areata: No Effect on the Perifollicular Lymphoid Infiltration
July 1992
in “
Journal of Investigative Dermatology
”
TLDR Minoxidil doesn't affect perifollicular lymphoid infiltration in alopecia areata patients.
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.