Abstract
Even if minoxidil has been known for over 30 years as "hair growth stimulator" the precise mechanism of its action is not completely elucitated. Minoxidil shortens telogen, accelerates telogen-exogen phase and causes the premature entry of resting hair follicles into anagen phase. Moreover, minoxidil increases hair follicle size. A large part of hair treatment scientific literature confirms the efficacy of topically applied minoxidil in humans. In particular, patients treated with minoxidil showed a significant increase in "non vellus" hair count starting from baseline. Preparation of minoxidil requires molecule stability and solubility. Today are available on the market minoxidil-based formulations having low-concentration of propylene glycol to obtain preparations with a better cosmetical acceptance and dermatological safety. The body of evidences indicates that minoxidil still represent a milestone in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and that its story is going on.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 102-106 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia |
Volume | 153 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 1 2018 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Alopecia
- Minoxidil
- Propylene glycol
- Treatment outcome
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Dermatology