Collating the therapeutic effects of topical finasteride versus oral finasteride in treatment of the androgenetic alopecia in patients attending dermatology Opd in Karaikal.

Siva Kumar Sivasubramaniam; Tony Kuncheria

Volume : IX, Issue : VIII, August - 2020

Collating the therapeutic effects of topical finasteride versus oral finasteride in treatment of the androgenetic alopecia in patients attending dermatology Opd in Karaikal.

Siva Kumar Sivasubramaniam, Tony Kuncheria

Abstract :

Background: Finasteride is a competitive and specific inhibitor of Type II 5α–reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts the androgen testosterone into DHT thereby decreasing the dihydroxy testosterone (DHT) level, is effective in the treatment of male androgenic alopecia. Methods: This is a double blind, randomized clinical trial study of 45 male patients, who were referred with alopecia to dermatology out patient department in Vinayaka missions medical college and Hospital, Karaikal , Puducherry. Patients with male androgenic alopecia were selected according to the history and physical examinations. The patients were randomly divided into two: topical finasteride (A) and oral finasteride (B) groups. Topical finasteride group (A) received a topical gel of 1% finasteride and placebo tablets, while the oral finasteride group (B) received finasteride tablets (1 mg) and gel base (without drug) as placebo for 6 months. The patients were followed by clinical observation and recording of side effects prior to the treatment and at the end of first week, and then by a monthly follow–up. The size of bald area, total hair count, and terminal hair were studied. Data were analyzed by descriptive and Chi–square statistical test. Results: The mean duration of hair loss was 18.8±23.10 months. Each month the terminal hair, size of bald area and hair count between the two groups were compared. There were no significant differences between the two groups as a viewpoint of hair thickness, hair counts and the size of bald area. Serial measurements indicated a significant increase in hair counts and terminal hair counts between the two groups. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the therapeutic effects of both finasteride gel and finasteride tablet were relatively similar to each other.