Many factors cause clinical hair-loss, or alopecia, including endocrine abnormalities, genetic predisposition, systemic illness, drugs, psychological abnormalities, diet, trauma, infections, autoimmunity, and structural hair defects. Because of the multiplicity of disorders that can result in hair-loss, a thorough history and physical examination are necessary. The causes of androgenic alopecia are well known and easily distinguishable. The primary treatment of hair-loss is still dependent on Minoxidil and Finasteride. No new mainline treatments are available for treatment of hair-loss. Majority of existing Minoxidil preparations are usually solutions with a high percentage of ethyl alcohol. However repeated applications of high ethyl alcohol products lead to severe adverse effects (e.g., scalp dryness, irritation, burning, redness, allergic contact dermatitis Recently ethyl alcohol-free containing formulations have been introduced. However, there is ascarcity of published data on this kind of formulations. So, the current study is to check theeffects of Minichek (Minoxidil 5%) on anagen/telogen ratio and assess the change in severity of hair-loss in patients diagnosed with androgenic alopecia.

Background:

Androgenic Alopecia is one of the common chronic problems seen by dermatologists worldwide. Androgenetic alopecia is a common dermatological condition, with potentially adverse psychosocial sequelae. Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair-loss) occurs in men with an inherited sensitivity to the effects of androgens on scalp hair. It is marked by visible loss of hair in areas of the scalp caused by progressive miniaturization of hair follicles.Currently, there are two FDA approved treatment options for AGA, topical minoxidil and oral finasteride. The exact mechanism of action of Minoxidil is uncertain, but it has been suggested that it promotes hair growth by opening adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels and stimulating the synthesis of vascular endothelial growth factor in dermal papilla cells. Despite of availability of treatment options, clinical trial data proving hair growth efficacy is limited. Therefore, the current investigator-initiated study is being conducted to understand the clinical efficacy of Minichek (Minoxidil 5%) in the treatment of androgenic alopecia.