Introduction: Female pattern hair loss [FPHL] is a type of hair thinning that occurs in females, categorized by a steady drop in the number of hairs, specifically in the central, frontal & parietal regions of the scalp. It does not cause scarring. Female pattern hair loss, also known as female androgenetic alopecia, is a prevalent kind of hair loss in women that becomes more common as they get older. The reason for the condition is still unknown, although there are several factors that have been recognized to affect it.
Aim of the study: To assess the effectiveness as well as security of a 1.0% solution of topical sildenafil citrate in treating female pattern hair loss.
Patients and methods: This Randomized controlled trial done on 40 cases classified as FPHL grades 1 also 2 based on Ludwig classification. Cases were randomly separated into two groups; Group1: Twenty persons treated with topical sildenafil citrate one percent solution. Group II: Twenty patients treated with vehicle for sildenafil citrate solution. Derm Lite Dl4 was utilized for a Tracheoscopy examination.
Results: Group 1, which received topical sildenafil 1.0%, experienced a substantial statistical increase in the number of vellus hairs in the frontal region, vertex, & temporal side during treatment, equated to earlier treatment. Moreover, there was a significant rise in the number of terminal hairs in the frontal & vertex regions after the therapy, as equated to before the treatment. There was no discernible variation in hair thickness across all regions following the therapy, as demonstrated by statistical analysis. In Group II [treated with vehicle for sildenafil citrate solution]: There was a statistically rise in vellus hair count & decrease in terminal hair count & hair thickness following treatment compared to prior to treatment in frontal, vertex and temporal area.
Conclusion: Topical use of sildenafil 1.0% showed to be a promising therapeutic alternative for FPHL. Larger studies on different concentrations of topical sildenafil, and its combined use with other standard therapies of FPHL such as minoxidil and finasteride are highly recommended.