Systemic dexpanthenol as a novel treatment for female pattern hair loss

Ömer Kutlu; Ahmet Metin

doi:10.1111/jocd.13729

Systemic dexpanthenol as a novel treatment for female pattern hair loss

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Apr;20(4):1325-1330. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13729. Epub 2020 Oct 5.

Authors

Ömer Kutlu¹, Ahmet Metin²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Dermatology and Venereology, School of Medicine, Uşak University, Uşak, Turkey.
² Department of Dermatology and Venereology I School of Medicine, Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey.

PMID: 32960484
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.13729

Abstract

Background: There are only a few drugs that have been used for the treatment of female pattern hair loss (FPHL).

Aims: Through use of the Dermatologic Life Quality Index (DLQI) and a modified hair growth questionnaire, we aimed to evaluate the effect of dexpanthenol (DXP) as a new option for FPHL.

Methods: Women who received 500 mg intramuscular DXP weekly for FPHL were included in this study. They were evaluated in terms of DLQI and laboratory characteristics, before and after DXP treatment, and were examined with a modified hair growth questionnaire.

Results: Overall satisfaction with the appearance of the hair was described by the patients as 57.1% " I am satisfied," 28.6% "I am very satisfied," and 14.3% "I am neutral (neither satisfied nor dissatisfied)." There was a statistical difference between the mean DLQI scores before and after DXP treatment (P < .001). No statistical difference was found in the laboratory characteristics of the patients before and after DXP treatment (P > 0.05). No side effect was reported during DXP treatment.

Conclusion: Dexpanthenol is a safe and novel drug that may increase the quality of life in patients with FPHL.

Keywords: androgenetic alopecia; dexpanthenol; female pattern hair loss.

MeSH terms

Alopecia* / drug therapy
Female
Hair
Humans
Pantothenic Acid / analogs & derivatives
Quality of Life*

Substances

Pantothenic Acid
dexpanthenol