Topical Minoxidil Therapy for Hereditary Male Pattern Alopecia

In a study conducted over 32 months involving 777 male patients with hereditary male pattern alopecia, topical application of 2.8% minoxidil solution resulted in new hair growth. Of the patients, 133 were followed for 6 months or longer, with 45% experiencing hair growth ranging from a few vellus hairs to terminal hair. The response was better in patients with type I or type II alopecia and those who underwent longer treatment. Subjective evaluations by patients were more favorable than objective evaluations. No serious systemic effects were reported, although one patient developed allergic contact dermatitis. The mechanism of hair growth was not fully understood but was speculated to involve vasodilation or direct cell stimulation.