Trüeb RM. Efficacy, Tolerability, and Superiority of Propylene Glycol-Free, North American Witch-Hazel (
Hamamelis virginiana)-Based Solution of 5% Minoxidil Sulfate for the Treatment of Female Androgenetic Alopecia.
Int J Trichology 2023;
15:108-112. [PMID:
38179008 PMCID:
PMC10763728 DOI:
10.4103/ijt.ijt_55_22]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background
Androgenetic alopecia leads to progressive hair loss in susceptible individuals if left untreated. Topical minoxidil represents an evidence-based treatment for female androgenetic alopecia, though with variable success.
Aims and Objectives
Treatment of minoxidil non-responders remains challenging, as does treatment of patients with propylene glycol sensitivity or irritable scalp syndrome.
Materials and Methods
Single-center, retrospective cohort of 50 female patients with androgenetic alopecia failing to respond to a minimum of 6 months of standard 5% topical minoxidil solution either once daily or b.i.d. depending on the severity of the alopecia. Patients were switched to propylene glycol-free, North American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)-based solution of 5% minoxidil sulfate (5% minoxidil sensitive solution). Efficacy and safety of treatment were evaluated, including stereotactic global photography and epiluminiscence microscopy with digital imaging taken at baseline, at 3, and at 6 months of treatment.
Results
70% of patients showed observable clinical improvement with combined global photographic and epiluminiscence microscopic assessment with digital imaging, and 22% epiluminiscence microscopic-only improvement as evidence of treatment efficacy. The treatment was well tolerated, particularly in patients with propylene glycol sensitivity and patients with irritable scalp syndrome.
Conclusions
These results suggest that propylene glycol-free, North American witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)-based solution of 5% minoxidil is effective and safe for treatment of female androgenetic alopecia, specifically in minoxidil non-responders and patients with propylene glycol sensitivity or irritable scalp syndrome.
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