Efficacy and Safety of Topical 5% Azelaic Acid Solution Versus 2% Minoxidil Solution in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of 5% azelaic acid solution in comparison with 2% minoxidil solution in the treatment of FPHL. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six FPHL patients with Ludwig grade I or II were randomly treated with 5% azelaic acid solution or 2% minoxidil solution twice daily for 6 months. At baseline, 2, 4, and 6 months, hair density and hair shaft diameter were assessed at the targeted fixed area. At 6 months, patient and investigator assessments of hair growth were performed using a 7-point scale. Results: Hair density and hair shaft diameter in the patients treated with 5% azelaic acid and 2% minoxidil solution were significantly increased compared to the baseline in all cases and visits (P 0.05). Both the investigator and patient assessments were comparable between both groups at 6 months. Pruritus was the major adverse effect reported in both groups, but only mild and all could be tolerated. Conclusion: 5% Azelaic acid solution might be an effective treatment for FPHL, comparable with 2% minoxidil, and could be an alternative treatment for FPHL in minoxidil-allergic patients and pregnant women

Efficacy of Oral Iron Supplementation in Treating Patients with Female Pattern Hair Loss and Low Serum Ferritin: A Pilot Study

The association between iron deficiency (ID) and hair loss is controversial. Currently, there is no standard oral iron supplementation for patients with female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and ID. We investigated the efficacy of oral iron supplementation for treating FPHL patients with ID. The results of our study revealed that oral iron supplementation combined with topical 3% minoxidil was not superior to topical 3% minoxidil alone in treating FPHL and ID.