INTRODUCTION
Hair loss disorders are a heterogenous group that negatively impacts self-confidence and quality of life.1 Topical minoxidil is a widely used therapeutic approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Although oral minoxidil is not FDA-approved for hair loss, it is commonly prescribed as a safe alternative to the topical preparation.2 Patients on topical minoxidil frequently report aesthetic and discomfort concerns, which may limit adherence. Oral minoxidil, however, carries a higher potential risk of systemic side effects.2 Importantly, both topical and oral minoxidil necessitate daily and consistent use to achieve sustained hair density improvements.2 Previous studies demonstrate similar efficacy between the two but failed to consider how the route of administration impacts patient adherence and satisfaction.3 The current study investigates whether topical or oral minoxidil yields greater adherence and satisfaction while comparing side effects.
A survey was administered to 50 hair loss patients on minoxidil at 2 Ohio State University Dermatology Clinics from June 2023 to December 2023 (response rate 98.0%). Thirty-three patients were on oral minoxidil (1.25 mg to 2.5 mg/d), and 16 patients were on topical minoxidil (2% to 5% foam or solution). One survey was excluded because the patient had used both oral and topical minoxidil. As shown in Table 1, reported patient characteristics included age, sex, race, hair loss diagnosis, form of treatment, duration of hair loss, and duration of treatment. Conditions studied included endocrine therapy-induced alopecia, androgenetic alopecia, chemotherapy-induced alopecia, telogen effluvium, frontal fibrosing alopecia/lichen planopilaris, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, and alopecia areata. The survey assessed ease of treatment, adherence, satisfaction, and side effects. Responses are shown in Table 2 and Table 3. Statistical analysis was completed on JMP Pro 17 Software using Chi-Square Likelihood Ratios and Nominal Linear Regression Models.
A survey was administered to 50 hair loss patients on minoxidil at 2 Ohio State University Dermatology Clinics from June 2023 to December 2023 (response rate 98.0%). Thirty-three patients were on oral minoxidil (1.25 mg to 2.5 mg/d), and 16 patients were on topical minoxidil (2% to 5% foam or solution). One survey was excluded because the patient had used both oral and topical minoxidil. As shown in Table 1, reported patient characteristics included age, sex, race, hair loss diagnosis, form of treatment, duration of hair loss, and duration of treatment. Conditions studied included endocrine therapy-induced alopecia, androgenetic alopecia, chemotherapy-induced alopecia, telogen effluvium, frontal fibrosing alopecia/lichen planopilaris, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, and alopecia areata. The survey assessed ease of treatment, adherence, satisfaction, and side effects. Responses are shown in Table 2 and Table 3. Statistical analysis was completed on JMP Pro 17 Software using Chi-Square Likelihood Ratios and Nominal Linear Regression Models.
