Topical minoxidil in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women.

Twenty-eight women with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia were randomly assigned to apply either 2 percent topical minoxidil or placebo (vehicle) to their involved scalp areas twice daily. At the end of thirty-two weeks, there was a statistically significant increase of nonvellus target area hairs in the minoxidil-treated versus the vehicle-treated group (p = 0.006). Investigator assessment of moderate regrowth showed better results in subjects who used 2 percent topical minoxidil solution than those who used vehicle (p = 0.007), although subjects discerned no difference between treatment groups. Two percent topical minoxidil appears to be effective in the treatment of female androgenetic alopecia.

Duke Scholars

Author Elise Arline Olsen Dermatology