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Therapeutic implications of topical cetirizine 1% in treatment of male androgenetic alopecia: A case‐controlled study
Author(s) -
Zaky Mohamed S.,
Abo Khodeir Hassan,
Ahmed HebatAllah,
Elsaie Mohamed L.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of cosmetic dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.626
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1473-2165
pISSN - 1473-2130
DOI - 10.1111/jocd.13940
Subject(s) - cetirizine , medicine , tolerability , placebo , prostaglandin d2 , dermatology , randomized controlled trial , randomization , prostaglandin , anesthesia , adverse effect , alternative medicine , pathology
Background Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of alopecia in men. Cetirizine, a second‐generation H1 blocker, is known for its anti‐inflammatory properties and its ability to decrease prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) production. Aim To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of topical cetirizine in male patients with AGA. Methods Two groups of 30 patients each (healthy males aged between 22 and 55 years) with different grades of AGA classified according to the Hamilton‐Norwood classification were recruited for this study. Group A subjects applied 1 mL of 1% topical cetirizine daily, while group B subjects served as controls and were instructed to apply 1 mL of a placebo solution for 6 months. Results Dermoscopic assessment revealed significantly higher hair regrowth among the cetirizine‐treated group ( P < .001). The patients’ satisfaction was significantly higher among the cetirizine‐treated group ( P < .001). Conclusion The current study highlights a potential role cetirizine might have in treating AGA. It should be noted that studies are lacking in this regard and more randomized and controlled trials are warranted in order to confirm or refute such early findings.