Advantages of Topical Finasteride and Relevant Literature Basis

In the field of hair loss treatment, topical finasteride has received much attention in recent years, bringing new hope to patients with androgenetic alopecia. Compared with traditional oral finasteride, topical finasteride has many unique advantages.

1. Remarkable Therapeutic Effect
   Numerous studies have shown that topical finasteride is highly effective in treating androgenetic alopecia. For example, the results of a phase III clinical trial of caretopic (finasteride spray) published by foreign researchers in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology in October 2021 indicated that the effect of topical finasteride spray in treating male pattern hair loss is similar to that of oral finasteride. Judging from actual cases, after using topical finasteride for a period of time, many patients have seen a significant improvement in hair loss, and their hair has gradually become thicker. Its mechanism of action lies in the fact that finasteride can inhibit the activity of 5α – reductase. This enzyme converts testosterone in the body into dihydrotestosterone, which inhibits hair growth and leads to hair loss. By inhibiting the activity of 5α – reductase, topical finasteride can reduce the levels of dihydrotestosterone in the scalp and blood, promoting hair growth and improving hair loss symptoms.
2. High Safety and Low Side Effects
   One of the outstanding advantages of topical finasteride is the significant reduction in side effects. The results of the above – mentioned phase III clinical trial also showed that the topical finasteride spray has a much smaller impact on serum dihydrotestosterone, which means that its side effects are much fewer than those of oral finasteride, and the probability of side effects is even lower. Common side effects of oral finasteride include sexual function effects (impotence, decreased libido, ejaculation disorders), breast discomfort (breast enlargement, breast pain), etc. However, topical finasteride can effectively reduce the risk of these side effects, allowing patients to treat hair loss without having to worry too much about adverse effects on other aspects of their bodies.
3. Convenient to Use and Good Compliance
   Topical finasteride is convenient to use. For patients who cannot take or resist taking oral finasteride tablets, it provides more options. For example, finasteride gels, sprays, etc., patients only need to apply or spray the drug on the scalp. The operation is simple, and there is no need to take the medicine regularly and in a fixed amount like oral medications. This greatly improves the treatment compliance of patients, enabling them to carry out treatment more continuously and stably, thus better ensuring the therapeutic effect.

With its remarkable therapeutic effect, high safety, and convenient use, topical finasteride provides an excellent treatment option for patients with androgenetic alopecia. Of course, when using topical finasteride, patients still need to do so under the guidance of a doctor to ensure safe and effective treatment of hair loss.