Where is minoxidil effective

These effects include stimulation of cell proliferation, inhibition of collagen synthesis, and stimulation of vascular endothelial growth factor and prostaglandin synthesis. Accordingly, these effects might be relevant to hair growth although direct correlations remain unknown.

Another common explanation of the effectiveness of topical minoxidil centers on its property of being an antihypertensive vasodilator. Hypothetically, because it widens blood vessels, it thereby allows more oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the hair follicle. Several clinical trials involving human subjects have been conducted to probe further the effects of topical minoxidil. For example, a dated study by A. Goren et al. Another study by Olsen et al.

But the effectiveness of topical minoxidil in inducing hair growth and treating androgenic alopecia only lasts during the period of continued application. In other words, this medication must be used indefinitely to continuously support existing hair follicles and maintenance of continued hair growth. A study by V. Price, E. Menefee, and P. Strauss concluded that cessation of topical minoxidil treatment resulted in reduction of hair weight and number count after 28 weeks, with levels similar to placebo group.

Olsen et al. Some of these over-the-counter products contain lower Minoxidil levels and have additives that cause scalp irritation and increased shedding.

Minoxidil is best for slowing hair loss but also assists in healthy hair growth. So, it must work? The study conducted seems to suggest this. Thus, showing that regular and prolonged use of a Minoxidil shampoo halts hair loss and promotes hair growth. This good news will be welcome for anyone conscious of baldness. It can offer a way to stop unwanted hair loss and, in turn, boost confidence.

Minoxidil also is simple to use—more hair, with minimal effort. Just remember, this is an ongoing treatment and requires several months to see optimal results. You can usually find Minoxidil in a variety of forms. To experience any positive effect on their hair, you need to use it every day and for as long as the treatment is needed.

Depending on which form of Minoxidil you purchase will depend on how you apply it to the affected area. If you purchase the liquid version, you should use the applicator provided, making the process easier and less messy. Suppose your skin is inflamed or otherwise irritated. In that case, you should avoid using Minoxidil as it could increase the soreness of your skin.

Also, like with other products, avoid getting any product in your eyes, as this will cause irritation. If applied to unwanted body areas, you can experience unwanted hair growth, leading to a very hairy situation.

As well as sore skin, there are other issues you need to keep an eye out for. As with all medicines, Minoxidil comes with some potential side effects when in use. Some are common side effects, and others are rare but still worthy to look out for. However, the risk of experiencing side effects is low.

Keywords: alopecia, beard, eyebrow, hair loss, hair shaft disorders, treatment. Introduction Minoxidil was first introduced as an oral medication for the treatment of severe and recalcitrant hypertension in the s.

Pharmacology of topical minoxidil Minoxidil is a piperidino-pyrimidine derivative, with the following chemical structure: 2,6-diaminopiperidinopyrimidineoxide C 9 H 15 N 5 O Figure 1. Open in a separate window.

Figure 1. Biological effects of minoxidil Minoxidil has been used for hair loss treatment for several decades. Table 1 The use of topical minoxidil in hair disorders. Androgenetic alopecia AGA is a non-scarring alopecia in which terminal hairs transform into miniaturized hairs.

Table 2 Randomized controlled trials in male androgenic alopecia. Table 3 Randomized controlled trials in female pattern hair loss. Alopecia areata AA is an autoimmune disease of the hair follicles with a clinical presentation ranges from patchy non-scarring alopecia to complete scalp alopecia totalis and body alopecia universalis hair loss.

Chronic telogen effluvium Telogen effluvium is a common non-scarring alopecia characterized by excessive telogen hair shedding triggered by stressful events such as pregnancy, a major illness, and surgery.

Scarring alopecia In scarring alopecia, medical treatment should be initiated as early as possible. Chemotherapy-induced alopecia Hair loss is one of the common side effects of chemotherapy.

Table 4 Randomized controlled trials in non-AGA conditions. Hair shaft disorders Minoxidil has been used to treat monilethrix, a rare autosomal dominant hair disorder manifested as fragile hair shafts with a regular beaded appearance. Body hair enhancement Topical minoxidil has been employed to stimulate hair growth on eyebrows and beard growth Table 4. Adverse effects of minoxidil Topical minoxidil has been considered safe; however, some patients experienced side effects after application.

Conclusion Minoxidil is a common medication prescribed for treating hair loss-related problems. Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

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