Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (May 2021)
Topical Treatment for Scarring and Non-Scarring Alopecia: An Overview of the Current Evidence
Abstract
Camila O Cardoso,1 Seila Tolentino,1 Tais Gratieri,1 Marcilio Cunha-Filho,1 Renata FV Lopez,2 Guilherme M Gelfuso1 1Laboratory of Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics (LTMAC), University of Brasilia, Brasília, 70910-900, DF, Brazil; 2School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-903, SP, BrazilCorrespondence: Guilherme M GelfusoUniversity of Brasília, Department of Pharmacy, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, 70910-900, DF, BrazilTel +55 61 3107-1990Email [email protected]: Alopecia is a clinical condition related to hair loss that can significantly affect both male and female adults’ quality of life. Despite the high market demand, only few drugs are currently approved for alopecia treatment. Topical formulations still bring drawbacks, such as scalp irritation with frequent use, and low drug absorption to the site of action, which limits the efficacy. The most recent research points out that different formulation technology could circumvent the aforementioned flaws. Such technology includes incorporation of drugs in rigid or deformable nanoparticles, strategies involving physical, energetical and mechanical techniques, such as iontophoresis, sonophoresis, microneedling, and the use of solid effervescent granules to be hydrated at the moment of application in the scalp. In this paper, the progress of current research on topical formulations dedicated to the treatment of alopecia is reviewed and discussed.Keywords: alopecia, drug delivery, hair follicle, iontophoresis, nanoparticles, topical treatment
