Efficacy of Topical Cetirizine 1% in Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia: Clinical and Dermoscopic Evaluation

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a form of non-scarring scalp hair loss that affects more than 50% of males. Prostaglandins would have an important role in hair growth and their action is variable according to their class. Based on these and the scarce studies that suggest the effectiveness of cetirizine on AGA we carried out this study. Aim: of Work: Dermoscopic evaluation of the efficacy of topical cetirizine 1 % in male patients with androgenetic alopecia. Materials: and methods: A prospective study was carried out on 50 Egyptian male patients treated with topical cetirizine 1% formula once daily. The clinical and dermoscopic examination was done before, during, and after treatment to evaluate the response. Results: : There was a significant increase in the number of terminal hairs, a decrease in the number of vellus hair, and hair diameter diversity after treatment. There was mild to good photographic improvement. Conclusion: Topical cetirizine 1 % had a promising effect in the treatment of AGA in men after 4 months of treatment. It also is having an excellent safety profile which could be an excellent option in the near future for the patients.