Background: Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a genetically programmed condition brought on by a woman's disproportionate sensitivity to androgens. The frontal hairline is often spared whereas the crown and top of the head experience diffuse hair loss, which is frequently identified by a broader centre part. For women with AGA, topical minoxidil is a popular and successful therapy for hair loss. By reducing the telogen (resting) phase of hair follicles and activating the anagen (growth) phase, minoxidil encourages hair growth. Carboxytherapy is a noninvasive method that has been shown to affect hair development in a number of ways.
Objective: To study the efficacy of combination of both minoxidil 5 % with carboxytherapy versus minoxidil 5 % alone in treatment of female pattern hair loss.
Patients and methods: This study included 40 female patients with AGA, who were randomized into two groups (group A and B); Group A included patients who used minoxidil 5% once daily with carboxytherapy session every 3 weeks for 6 months and Group B who used topical minoxidil 5% only once daily for 6 months.
Results: There was a statistically significant increase in hair diameter during treatment in group A compared to group B (at 3 months and 6 months) (p=0,012, 0.001 respectively). There was a statistically significant increase in hair density during treatment in group A compared to group B (at 3 months and 6 months) (p = 0.004, < 0.001 respectively). There was a statistically significant increase in hair count during treatment in group A compared to group B (at 3 months and 6 months) (P=0.048, 0.002 respectively). Higher satisfaction was recorded in group A compared to group B with a statistically significant difference (P=0.049).
Conclusion: In the context of female pattern hair loss, carboxytherapy seems to be a promising therapeutic modality and it could be used as a helpful adjuvant therapy of AGA in association with minoxidil. In addition, it is recommended for maintenance of the results with minimal side effects.