Experience with a multi-component lotion in patients with androgenetic alopecia: a prospective, open-label pilot study

Background. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a chronic, progressive condition that is the most common cause of non-scarring hair loss, which is associated with psychoemotional distress and decreased quality of life. Given the necessity of long-term AGA treatment, there is an ongoing demand for multi-component topical treatments with a high safety profile. Quantitative monitoring of key hair growth parameters is essential for an objective evaluation of their efficacy. Objective. To evaluate changes over 180 days in hair density, the proportion of telogen and vellus hairs, the severity of anxiety and depression (using the HADS), and the tolerability of a multi-component lotion. Materials and methods. A two-center, prospective, open-label pilot study enrolled 56 patients (37 women and 19 men). The lotion was applied at a dose of 2 mL once daily for 180 days. Assessments were carried out at baseline, as well as on days 90 and 180 using a computerized phototrichogram, standardized photographic recording, clinical examination, and patient questionnaires. Data were analyzed separately by sex. For related samples, the Friedman test, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W), and the Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for post hoc analysis with Holm’s correction were used. Results. Complete data from all visits were obtained for 56 patients. In women, the median hair density in the parietal zone increased from 176 (164; 186) to 206 (191; 216) hairs/cm²; in men, it rose from 145 (136; 157.5) to 171 (163; 191) hairs/cm² (p<0.001 in both cases). In both subgroups, a statistically significant reduction in the proportion of telogen and vellus hairs, as well as anxiety and depression scores, was observed. No adverse events were reported throughout the entire follow-up period. Conclusion. The use of the lotion led to significant intragroup improvement in phototrichographic and psychoemotional parameters, substantiating the practical significance and potential of this agent in the complex treatment of androgenetic alopecia.