Topical Cetirizine in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Preliminary Study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: Introduction: Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) is elevated in the bald scalp of men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and inhibits hair growth. Cetirizine, an H1-antihistamine, reduces PGD2 production and has anti-inflammatory effects, making it a potential therapeutic candidate. Methods: Ten men aged 18–60 years with Norwood-Hamilton grade III vertex to V AGA applied 1 mL of 1% cetirizine in propylene glycol/butylene glycol daily for 16 weeks. Exclusion criteria included recent use of minoxidil, finasteride, or other antiandrogenic therapies. Hair counts in a 1 cm2 tattoo-marked vertex area and blinded photographic assessments were evaluated at baseline and week 16. Results: Nine participants completed the study. Mean hair count increased from 139.6 (SE 13.9) to 163.4 (SE 15.5), a statistically significant change (p = 0.009). Blinded global photographs showed a +2 improvement in 1 patient, +1 in two, and no change in six. Trichoscopic counts improved in all patients. No adverse events occurred. Conclusion: Despite limitations, this report provides additional real-world data supporting cetirizine as a potential therapy in AGA. Larger randomized controlled studies with longer follow-up are needed to establish efficacy, durability, and mechanism of action.
Source: Skin Appendage Disorders
DOI: 10.1159/000550279
Language: English
Topic: Hair Growth and Disorders
Subfield: Urology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7117677699