A Comparative Study on the Efficacy and Safety of 10% Topical Minoxidil versus 5% Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss

Abstract

Background

Androgenetic alopecia is a genetically disorder characterized by the gradual conversion of terminal hairs into vellus hairs, called miniaturized hairs. It is an extremely common disease that affects men and women. Specifically, DP cells that are the main regulators of hair growth and are the only site of 5α-DHT action. Male-pattern hair loss; Male note gradual recession of the frontal hair line early in the process. Men present with gradual thinning in the temporal areas, producing a reshaping of the anterior part of the hair line.

Aim of this Study

To evaluate and compare topical minoxidil 10% versus topical minoxidil 5% in the treatment of MPHL as regards the efficacy, safety and side effects. This study included 51 patients with MPHL divided into 2 groups received topical minoxidil 5% 1ml twice daily for 6 months and the second group received topical minoxidil 10% 1ml twice daily for 6 months.

Patients and Methods: Results

The current study revealed that there was significant difference between the studied groups as regard the percentage of improvement in Frontal Total hair count with superiority for 10% group. But the improvement in other parameters were comparable between the studied groups. Comparison of treatment response in both groups revealed nearly the same efficacy of both concentrations of topical minoxidil 5% and 10% in MPHL, higher concentration more than 5% could decrease the compliance and the tolerance.

Conclusion

We found that using higher doses of topical minoxidil was associated with higher improvement in frontal total hair count and higher side effects.

Androgenetic Alopecia, Topical Minoxidil, Treatment, Male Pattern Hair Loss