Hair Therapy & Transplantation
Open Access

Abstract

A Pilot Study of the Efficacy in Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss using 5% Minoxidil Solution Combined with Oral Chelated Zinc Supplement

Rattapon Thuangtong, Saroj Suvanasuthi, Nicha Keoprasom, Araya Manapajon and Pitchaya Maneeprasopchoke

Abstract

Background: Zinc supplement is popular trace element gave to female pattern hair loss (FPHL). But the type of patient, efficacy and side effect in detail of Zinc supplement are not well characterized. Objective: To determine efficacy and side effect of chelated Zinc in women with FPHL which using 5% minoxidil solution.

Materials and methods: 18 Thai women with FPHL applied 5% topical minoxidil solution twice daily combined with 15 mg oral chelated Zinc for 24 weeks. Then measure growth of hair by global photograph, hair density and hair shaft diameter during 24 weeks of treatment.

Results: All 18 female patients were attached to the study at 24-week follow up visit. The mean age was 47.5 ± 9.7 years (range, 26-61 years). Percentage of increasing in hair density and hair shaft diameter at 24-week follow-up visit after receiving 5% minoxidil solution combined with oral chelated Zinc supplement was 12.2% and 5.5%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences improvement in both hair density and hair shaft diameter (p<0.001 and p<0.001). Furthermore, The assessment of Global Photographic Review (GPR) by two dermatologists showed 11.1% of patients had moderately improved, 61.1% had minimally improved and 27.8% no change. There were no statistically significant differences between serum Zinc and Ferritin. Furthermore, no side effect of oral chelated Zinc was reported.

Conclusions: Using chelated Zinc as additional trace supplements in FPHL has an efficacy to improve hair density and hair shaft diameter with no side effect.