Investigation on the Effect of 7% Chamomile Extract on Cutaneous Side Effects of Minoxidil in Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

Abstract

Background and Aim Male Androgenic Alopecia (MAA) is one of the most common causes of hair loss in men. Minoxidil solution is one of the most commonly used medications for MAA treatment; however, it has several cutaneous side effects including itching, scaling and erythema, which cause the discontinuation of its consumption. Methods & Materials In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 51 males with MAA were treated with 5% minoxidil solution and 7% chamomile extract. At the same time, 49 patients as controls were matched with this group and treated with 5% minoxidil solution alone. Both groups were treated and followed up for 6 months. Ethical Considerations This study has received its ethical approval from the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1395.456) and is a registered clinical trial (Code: 2017042420258N41). Results In both groups, the severity of itching and scaling gradually decreased. in the control group, erythema increased, while in the chamomile group, erythema also decreased. All three side effects of itching, scaling and erythema were lower in the group treated with chamomile extract and minoxidil solution than in the group used minoxidil solution alone. Conclusion It seems that simultaneous administration of 7% chamomile extract and 5% minoxidil solution leads to a reduction in the severity and duration of cutaneous side effects caused by minoxidil solution use in treatment of MAA. It can increase the patient's compliance to the treatment and eventually the chance of MAA treatment.

Keywords

• male androgenic alopecia
• chamomile extract
• minoxidil solution