2026, Vol. 9, Issue 1, Part A

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common form of non-scarring alopecia, affecting both men and women. The process that causes hair follicle shrinking is complex and involves several factors, including a genetic predisposition and susceptibility to androgens. Minoxidil used topically is a medication that has received approval from the food and drug administration (FDA). There are a lot of adverse effects and its effectiveness is low. The objective of this study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of using 5% minoxidil topically to treat AGA.

Methods:This single arm interventional study was carried out on 10 patients, both sexes, with AGA who did not receive any treatment within at least 6 months before the start of the study, subjected to topical 5% minoxidil application twice daily for three months. Efficacy was assessed clinically at baseline, after 3 months and after three months follow up.

Results: After treatment, the mean value of degree of improvement was 60±14.91, 4(40.0%) patients showed moderate response, 4(40%) patients showed marked response, and 2(20%) patients showed excellent response.After 3 months follow up, the mean value of degree of improvement was 68±19.32. Three patients (30%) showed moderate response, 3(30%) patients showed marked response, and 4(40%) patients showed excellent response. There was a significant negative correlation between degree of improvement and duration of disease after treatment, the less the duration of disease the better the improvement. The degree of improvement was also significantly negatively correlated with patients' ages; a smaller age difference was associated with a statistically insignificant but positive change.