Authors
Pierard-Franchimont C. De Doncker P. Cauwenbergh G. Pierard GE.
Institution
Department of Dermatopathology, University of Liege, Belgium.
Title
Ketoconazole shampoo: effect of long-term
use in androgenic alopecia.
Source
Dermatology. 196(4):474-7, 1998.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of androgenic alopecia is not fully understood.
A microbial-driven inflammatory reaction abutting on the hair follicles might
participate in the hair status anomaly. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was
to determine if ketoconazole (KCZ) which is active against
the scalp microflora and shows some intrinsic anti-inflammatory activity
might improve alopecia. METHOD: The effect of 2% KCZ shampoo
was compared to that of an unmedicated shampoo used in
combination with or without 2% minoxidil therapy. RESULTS: Hair density and
size and proportion of anagen follicles were improved almost similarly by
both KCZ and minoxidil regimens. The sebum casual level appeared to be
decreased by KCZ. CONCLUSION: Comparative data suggest that there may be a
significant action of KCZ upon the course of androgenic alopecia and that
Malassezia spp. may play a role in the inflammatory reaction. The clinical
significance of the results awaits further controlled study in a larger group
of subjects.