Traction Alopecia: 2% Topical Minoxidil Shows Promise. Report of Two Cases

December 2006 in “ Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology ”

Nonhlanhla P. Khumalo, Reginald M Ngwanya

traction alopecia topical minoxidil follicle miniaturization hair growth Rogaine

TLDR Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in traction alopecia.

This report discusses two cases of traction alopecia, a type of hair loss caused by hairstyles that pull on the hair, that were treated with 2% topical minoxidil. Both patients had longstanding traction alopecia that did not improve after stopping the hairstyles causing the condition. However, after using topical minoxidil for several months, both patients experienced new hair growth. The report suggests that follicle miniaturization may be a pathogenic process in traction alopecia and that further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms behind the condition. The report also notes that medical treatment is preferable to surgery for traction alopecia.

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Traction Alopecia: 2% Topical Minoxidil Shows Promise. Report of Two Cases

Research cited in this study

research Extensive Traction Alopecia Attributable to Ponytail Hairstyle and Its Treatment with Hair Transplantation

research A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil Solutions in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

research Changes in Hair Weight and Hair Count in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia After Treatment with Finasteride, 1 mg, Daily

research Possible Mechanisms of Miniaturization During Androgenetic Alopecia or Pattern Hair Loss

research Traumatic Alopecia

research Surgical Correction of Traumatic Alopecia Marginalis or Traction Alopecia in Black Women

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