Use of Topical Finasteride Vs Systemic Finasteride in Male Pattern Baldness

Abstract

In this study we have analyzed the use of finasteride which is a type P-selective 5a-reductase inhibitor. By decreasing dihydroxytestestrone (DHT) level, it is found to be effective in the treatment of male androgenic alopecia. In this study, we compared the effect of topical vs. systemic finasteride in the treatment of androgenic alopecia. Our study is a randomized clinical trial study having 30 male patients. They have come for alopecia treatment at Nesam hospital, Coimbatore, India. We have selected male patients with androgenic alopecia and divided them into two groups (A, B), randomly having 15 patients in each group. For group A, Topical finasteride (0.1%) with minoxidil (5%) solution was given. Group B patients received topical minoxidil with oral finasteride (1mg) tablets. All patients were regularly followed up till the end of 6 months. A Patient had a first review in the first week followed by monthly follow up. Following parameters were taken into account: size of bald area, total hair count, and terminal hair. Data was analyzed by Chi-square statistical test. Each month the terminal hair, size of bald area and hair count between the two groups were compared. In the initial few months group, A showed good improvement. But Serial measurements indicated that a significant increase in hair counts and terminal hair counts is seen in both groups. This study showed that on long term follow-up of more than 3 months, both topical and systemic finasteride groups had similar results.