Comparison between “5% minoxidil plus 2% flutamide” solution vs. “5% minoxidil” solution in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia

Abstract

Background Androgenetic alopecia is defined as a patterned hair loss resulting from the effect of androgen on hair follicles and characterized by non‐scarring, progressive miniaturization of the hair follicles. Minoxidil and finasteride are regarded as the first‐line treatments with antiandrogens and flutamide are considered as the alternative choices. In the current study, we evaluated the efficacy of combination therapy with topical 2%flutamide plus 5% minoxidil vs. %5 minoxidil alone in the treatment of the androgenetic alopecia. Material and Methods This was a randomized, double‐blinded clinical trial in 40 patients with androgenetic alopecia. Patients were randomized to receive either topical minoxidil vs. topical flutamide plus minoxidil for 6 months. At the end of study, patients were compared regarding mean hair density and mean hair thickness and patient's satisfaction. Collected data were analyzed using t‐test, Ki square, and Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests. Results Topical flutamide plus minoxidil solution was significantly more effective than minoxidil in terms of hair density, hair thickness, and patient's satisfaction (p < 0.05). Conclusion Topical hydroalcoholic solution of flutamide plus minoxidil may be promising treatment for the androgenetic alopecia. To better evaluate the efficacy of topical flutamide, more prolonged studies with higher number of patients and use of different vehicles and different ingredients are recommended.

The Value of Trichoscopy in the Follow-up of Treatment Response in Patients With Androgenetic Alopecia

“…The agreement between doctor A and TrichoScan was moderate for THC and ToHC pre-treatment and good present study, when the experienced doctor in hair diseases and trichoscopy determined all those four hair growth parameters by trichoscopy, the results were similar to those follow-up methods, usually with global photographic assessment of hair growth by investigators and patients [18][19][20][21][22][23][24]. In our study, we performed a similar method described in some of the prior studies to determine hair growth parameters by trichoscopy [18][19][20][21][22][23][24]. We counted the hairs manually on the images we obtained and saved with the video dermoscope.…”

Clinical efficacy and safety of low‐dose oral minoxidil versus topical solution in the improvement of androgenetic alopecia: A randomized controlled trial

“…While topical minoxidil is an effective treatment for AGA, patient compliance can be poor due to undesirable hair texture, the need for twice‐daily application, scalp irritation, and developing allergic contact dermatitis 1,25 . In this regard, low‐dose oral minoxidil has been found to be well tolerated with only minor adverse effects.…”

“…Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of progressive hair loss with an increasing prevalence with age. 1 The exact mechanisms underlying AGA susceptibility and initiation have not been entirely understood. It is believed AGA is a polygenic condition whose development and occurrence depend on the interaction of genetic, endocrine factors, and environment.…”

“…Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of progressive hair loss with an increasing prevalence with age 1 . The exact mechanisms underlying AGA susceptibility and initiation have not been entirely understood.…”

Photobiomodulation Therapy With Different Wavebands for Hair Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…[1][2][3] Several useful therapeutic methods have been used clinically to prevent hair loss or enhance hair growth through the effect on hair growth cycle in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). 4,5 The most common remedies, including oral finasteride and topical 5% minoxidil, have been approved by the US FDA for treatment of AGA. Hair transplantation is also used by dermatologists in appropriate candidates with hair loss.…”