Exploring the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Phenytoin in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Clinical Investigation

IF 3.5 4区医学 Q2 DERMATOLOGY

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Pub Date : 2026-06-28 DOI:10.1111/jocd.71016

Sina Maskoukian, Atefeh Naeimifar, Aniseh Samadi, Hamid Akbari Javar, Afsaneh Sadeghzadeh Bazargan, Saman Ahmad Nasrollahi, Alireza Firooz

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Phenytoin, a widely used antiepileptic drug, is known for its proliferative effects on fibroblasts and keratinocytes, as well as its stimulatory influence on angiogenesis. One of its notable side effects is hirsutism, which suggests a potential role in hair growth promotion.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a topical 5% phenytoin solution in men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

Methods

In this 16-week, open-label clinical trial, adult male participants with AGA applied a 5% phenytoin solution twice daily. TrichoScan analysis and standardized global photographs were employed at baseline, week 8, and week 16 to assess changes in total hair count, hair density, anagen-to-telogen ratio, and follicular units. Subjective assessments of hair condition and scalp oiliness were obtained at each visit using a patient satisfaction scale. Adverse events were monitored throughout the study period.

Results

Statistically significant improvements were observed in total hair count from baseline (158.07 ± 37.65) to week 16 (183.21 ± 44.63) (p-value = 0.010). Similarly, hair density significantly increased from baseline (174.99 ± 41.70 number/cm²) to week 16 (202.39 ± 49.67 number/cm²) (p-value = 0.011). Number of total follicular units also exhibited a significant increase from baseline (90.07 ± 16.85) to week 16 (98.07 ± 19.67) (p-value = 0.013), as did follicular unit density from baseline (99.71 ± 18.66 FU/cm²) to week 16 (108.65 ± 20.94 FU/cm²) (p-value = 0.012). The average hair unit and the anagen rate showed slight increases from baseline to week 16, but these changes were not statistically significant. Subjective assessments indicated improvements in scalp oiliness and hair texture. The treatment was well tolerated, with only mild and transient adverse events reported.

Conclusion

Topical 5% phenytoin solution appears to be a safe and potentially effective therapeutic option for AGA.

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探讨外用苯妥英治疗雄激素性脱发的疗效和安全性：一项临床研究

苯妥英是一种广泛使用的抗癫痫药物，因其对成纤维细胞和角化细胞的增殖作用以及对血管生成的刺激作用而闻名。它的一个显著副作用是多毛症，这表明它有促进头发生长的潜在作用。目的：本研究旨在评价5%苯妥英外用溶液治疗男性雄激素性脱发（AGA）的安全性和有效性。方法在这项为期16周的开放标签临床试验中，患有AGA的成年男性参与者每天两次使用5%苯妥英溶液。在基线、第8周和第16周采用TrichoScan分析和标准化的全球照片来评估总毛数、头发密度、生发与休止期比率和毛囊单位的变化。在每次访问时，使用患者满意度量表对头发状况和头皮油性进行主观评估。在整个研究期间监测不良事件。结果从基线（158.07±37.65）到第16周（183.21±44.63），总毛数有统计学意义的改善（p值= 0.010）。同样，毛发密度从基线（174.99±41.70根/cm2）到第16周（202.39±49.67根/cm2）显著增加（p值= 0.011）。从基线（90.07±16.85）到第16周（98.07±19.67）（p值= 0.013），卵泡总单位数也有显著增加，从基线（99.71±18.66 FU/cm2）到第16周（108.65±20.94 FU/cm2）（p值= 0.012）。平均毛发单位和生长率从基线到第16周略有增加，但这些变化没有统计学意义。主观评价表明头皮油性和发质有所改善。治疗耐受性良好，仅报告了轻微和短暂的不良事件。结论外用5%苯妥英溶液治疗AGA是一种安全有效的治疗方法。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology DERMATOLOGY-

CiteScore

4.30

自引率

13.00%

发文量

818

审稿时长

>12 weeks

期刊介绍： The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology publishes high quality, peer-reviewed articles on all aspects of cosmetic dermatology with the aim to foster the highest standards of patient care in cosmetic dermatology. Published quarterly, the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology facilitates continuing professional development and provides a forum for the exchange of scientific research and innovative techniques. The scope of coverage includes, but will not be limited to: healthy skin; skin maintenance; ageing skin; photodamage and photoprotection; rejuvenation; biochemistry, endocrinology and neuroimmunology of healthy skin; imaging; skin measurement; quality of life; skin types; sensitive skin; rosacea and acne; sebum; sweat; fat; phlebology; hair conservation, restoration and removal; nails and nail surgery; pigment; psychological and medicolegal issues; retinoids; cosmetic chemistry; dermopharmacy; cosmeceuticals; toiletries; striae; cellulite; cosmetic dermatological surgery; blepharoplasty; liposuction; surgical complications; botulinum; fillers, peels and dermabrasion; local and tumescent anaesthesia; electrosurgery; lasers, including laser physics, laser research and safety, vascular lasers, pigment lasers, hair removal lasers, tattoo removal lasers, resurfacing lasers, dermal remodelling lasers and laser complications.