Clinical efficacy of microneedle combined with 5% Minoxidil solution and finasteride in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in males

Androgenetic alopecia in males is associated with genetic predisposition and increased androgen secretion. This work was to investigate the clinical therapeutic effects of microneedling plus5% Minoxidil and Finasteride in treating male androgenetic alopecia. 45 male patients with androgenetic alopecia were recruited and rolled into control group 1 (Group A) received monotherapy with 5% Minoxidil; control group 2 (Group B) received 5% Minoxidil and Finasteride; and the experimental group (Group C) received combination therapy with microneedling, 5% Minoxidil, and Finasteride. Each group consisted of 15 patients. Comparison was made on trace element levels, testosterone levels, hair microscopy indicators, Norwood Hamilton hair loss (HL) classification, self-rating of hair growth and Ars (ARs). After treatment, the contents of trace elements and hormone levels in the three groups did not change considerably(P > 0.05). After treatment, the ratio of villi to single hair follicle in the three groups decreased markedly. The decline degree of group B and group C was superior to group A (P < 0.05), while that of group C was superior to group B (P > 0.05). After treatment, the hair density and hair shaft diameter of the three groups of patients increased markedly. The increase of group B and group C was superior to group A (P < 0.05), while that of group C was superior to group B (P > 0.05). After treatment, the Norwood-Hamilton alopecia scale in group C was better than that in group A (P < 0.01). A total of 80% patients in group C scored >= 3, which was better than the other two groups in general. The incidence of ARs differed slightly among the three groups (P > 0.05). Relative to the use of Minoxidil or combination therapy with Finasteride alone, microneedling combined therapy greatly improved hair loss in patients, promoted new hair growth, and holds clinical value.