platelet-rich plasma versus topical 5% minoxidil in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A comparative observational study.

Dr. Gopinath  Mogilicherla; Dr. Swapna  Narayana; Dr. R. Meenakshi

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2230

Authors

Dr. Gopinath Mogilicherla Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy , Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad,Telangana, India.
Dr. Swapna Narayana Civil Surgeon Specialist, Department of Dermatology,Venereology and Leprosy, Government General Hospital, Nalgonda, Telangana, India
Dr. R. Meenakshi Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Government Medical College and General Hospital, Nalgonda, Telangana, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2230

Keywords:

Androgenetic alopecia, Platelet-Rich Plasma, Minoxidil, Hair density

Abstract

Background:
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of patterned hair loss in both men and women and has a significant psychosocial impact. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has gained attention as a regenerative treatment, while topical 5% Minoxidil remains the conventional first-line therapy.

Objectives:

To compare the efficacy and safety of PRP therapy versus topical 5% Minoxidil in patients with androgenetic alopecia over 12 weeks.

Methods:

This comparative observational study included 50 patients with androgenetic alopecia, allocated into two groups: PRP (n = 25) and topical 5% Minoxidil (n = 25). PRP was administered through four intradermal sessions at three-week intervals, while Minoxidil was applied twice daily for 12 weeks. Outcomes assessed were change in hair density (hairs/cm²), patient satisfaction using a 5-point Likert scale, dermatologist global assessment, and adverse effects. Statistical analysis was performed, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results:

Baseline demographic and clinical parameters were comparable between groups. At 12 weeks, the PRP group demonstrated a significantly greater increase in mean hair density (18.4 ± 4.6 hairs/cm²) compared with the Minoxidil group (10.2 ± 3.9 hairs/cm²; p < 0.01). Patient satisfaction scores were higher in the PRP group (4.1 ± 0.7) than in the Minoxidil group (3.2 ± 0.8; p < 0.01). Moderate to marked clinical improvement was observed in 68% of PRP-treated patients compared with 36% in the Minoxidil group. Adverse effects were mild and transient in both groups.

Conclusion:

PRP therapy showed superior improvement in hair density and patient satisfaction compared with topical 5% Minoxidil over 12 weeks, with good tolerability.

Recommendations:

PRP may be considered an effective therapeutic option for early to moderate androgenetic alopecia, either as monotherapy or as an adjunct to topical Minoxidil. Larger studies with longer follow-up are recommended to assess the durability of response and optimize treatment protocols.

Author Biographies

Dr. Gopinath Mogilicherla, Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy , Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad,Telangana, India.

is an Associate Professor in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy at Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad. He completed his MBBS from Gandhi Medical College in 2005 and obtained his MD in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy from Osmania Medical College in 2013. Over the years, he has been actively involved in clinical practice, teaching, and research, with a focus on improving patient care and mentoring postgraduate trainees. His academic interests include inflammatory dermatoses, infectious skin diseases, and dermato-surgical techniques. He has contributed to scientific publications and continues to participate in academic activities, conferences, and professional development initiatives.ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5479-9380

Dr. Swapna Narayana, Civil Surgeon Specialist, Department of Dermatology,Venereology and Leprosy, Government General Hospital, Nalgonda, Telangana, India

completed her MBBS from Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal (2000–2006), and obtained her MD in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy from SVS Medical College, Mahabubnagar (2012–2015). She is currently working as a Civil Surgeon Specialist (Dermatology) at District Hospital, Nalgonda. Her clinical work spans the diagnosis and management of a wide spectrum of dermatoses, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based care and patient counselling. She is also involved in teaching and guiding junior colleagues in dermatology practice.ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2068-5919

Dr. R. Meenakshi, Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Government Medical College and General Hospital, Nalgonda, Telangana, India.

Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy (DVL), Government Medical College & General Hospital, Nalgonda, Telangana, India. She obtained her MBBS degree from Osmania Medical College and pursued an MD in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy from Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal. She joined GMC/GGH Nalgonda as an Assistant Professor in October 2023. Her academic interests include clinical dermatology, dermatosurgery, and medical education.ORCID ID:https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2327-2004

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