Topical Minoxidil in Monilethrix

The authors observed a favorable response to the topical application of 2% minoxidil in affected individuals of the same family with monilethrix, an inherited structural hair defect that leads to abnormal fragility producing alopecia of varying degree. The 7-year-old girl was advised the application of 2% minoxidil solution topically twice daily. After 2.5 months of application, the fragility of the hairs reduced and they started growing in length. After 6 months, the hairs grew longer, giving the desired cosmetic appearance. Later the other two sisters were also put on 2% topical minoxidil with an identical response. None of the patients developed any local or systemic side effects.