Topical Applications

Topical Applications do work, but not all

There is only research that Minoxidi works as a topical application. It works to relax blood vessels (it was originally a treatment for raised blood pressure) by directly relaxing arteriolar smooth muscle, with little effect on veins. The stimulation of hair growth is secondary to vasodilation, increased cutaneous blood flow and stimulation of resting hair follicles. It has a peak effect in 2-8 hours, and a duration of 2-5 days, with a Half-life elimination in Adults of 3.5-4.2 hours.

It is available in several trade preparations, the most widely known is the trademarked "rogaine" made by Merck Pharmaceuticals, but there are many simliar applciations that are basically the same. There are several variations of the formulation that make the application easier and less irritating.

Clinical studies were conducted by dermatologists at 27 US medical centres involving over 2,300 patients with male pattern baldness on the top (vertex) of the head. At the end of 4 months, hair counts showed that, on average, patients using Minoxidil had significantly more hair regrowth than those who used a placebo (a similar solution without Minoxidil). Based on patients' self evaluations at the end of 4 months, 26% of the patients using Minoxidil had moderate to dense regrowth compared with 11% of those using the placebo product. By the end of year 1, virtually half (48%) of the men who continued in the study using Minoxidil, rated their hair growth as moderate to dense. An additional 36% had minimal regrowth, the rest (16%) had no regrowth.

In women the studies showed 13% had moderate regrowth and 50% had minimal regrowth. The rest (37%) had no regrowth.

The medication is available without a prescription but can have side effects including, Allergic contact dermatitis (7.4%), alopecia, dryness, eczema, exacerbation of hair loss, flushing, folliculitis; hair growth increased outside the area of application (face, beard, eyebrows, ear, arm); hypertrichosis, local erythema, papular rash, pruritus, scaling/flaking, seborrheadizziness, faintness, headache, as well as other less reported reactions.

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