Ketoconazole shampoo: effect of long-term use in androgenic alopecia.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Controlled clinical comparative trial without reported randomization details in the abstract
PubMed 9669136 · doi:10.1159/000017954
What was done
The study compared the effects of 2% ketoconazole (KCZ) shampoo against an unmedicated shampoo used with or without topical 2% minoxidil in individuals with androgenic alopecia. Evaluated outcomes included hair density, hair size, proportion of anagen follicles, and casual sebum levels.
What was found
The abstract provides no raw numbers, percentages, or statistical values. It reports that hair density, hair size, and the proportion of anagen follicles improved to a similar extent in both the 2% KCZ and 2% minoxidil regimens. In addition, casual sebum levels appeared to decrease with KCZ use.
Why it matters
This study suggests that antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory scalp treatments like ketoconazole shampoo may serve as an adjunct or alternative to minoxidil for androgenic alopecia.
Limits
The abstract does not state the sample size, study duration, participant characteristics, or whether subjects were randomized and blinded. No quantitative data, variances, or p-values are reported, and the authors note that findings require confirmation in larger controlled trials.
Cited by
- supports Ketoconazole shampoo acts as a mild anti-androgen and 5-alpha reductase inhibitor with studies showing hair growth results comparable to 2% minoxidil.