The Effectiveness and Tolerability of Preformed Growth Factors Vehiculated Through Iontophoresis on Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia and Telogen Effluvium: A Clinical Study

Abstract

Background: Androgenetic alopecia is characterized by a progressive miniaturization of hair follicles in a pattern distribution in genetically predisposed individuals. The efficacy of conventional therapies is variable, therefore there is a need for adjuvant and newer treatment modalities to provide faster and better outcomes. Objectives: Evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of a combined therapy: preformed growth factors vehiculated through iontophoresis in patients with androgenetic alopecia and associated telogen effluvium, to obtain faster hair regrowth. Materials and Methods: Treatment was performed between June 2018 and June 2019 on 60 patients with androgenetic alopecia and associated telogen effluvium. Each patient underwent 4 sessions in total, each session was performed every 3 weeks. Global photography and trichoscopy were collected at every session of therapy. All patients filed out a self-assessment questionnaire. Results: Results were very promising, with improvement of hair density and thickening of the hair shaft diameter in most of patients seen with both global photography and trichoscopy. All patients were satisfied of the clinical result and reported a complete reduction in hair loss. No serious adverse side effects were reported. Conclusions: The use of growth factors associated with iontophoresis technique is a useful treatment for treating and preventing androgenetic alopecia. In addition, in case of associated telogen effluvium, this technique allows for an early stop of hair shedding, especially when cosmetic procedures do not provide satisfactory results in patients.

Keywords

• iontophoresis
• androgenetic alopecia
• telogen effluvium
• growth factors
• scalp disorders
• physical therapy