An E-mail Survey of General Awareness and Usage Status of Topical Minoxidil Solution in Alopecia Patient

Lee, Seung Dong; Kang, Tae Wook; Park, Young Min; Kim, Si Yong; Kim, Hyung Ok; Kang, Hoon

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Topical minoxidil solution is very well known and easily obtainable stuff in Korea. Even though it is an useful and effective medication for keep the hairs, there are still some misunderstandings exist.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the general awareness and usage status of topical minoxidil solution in alopecia patients.
METHODS
E-mails with questionnaire file were sent to 3,875 patients who visited the hair clinic. 202 replied questionnaires were enrolled in this study. The questionnaire consisted of 30 items concerning the general evaluation of the awareness and usage status of topical minoxidil.
RESULTS
The proper candidates for the minoxidil solution including male pattern hair loss, female pattern hair loss, and some alopecia areata felt that it was relatively effective. But most patients who had not seen a doctor misunderstood the usage and side effects of topical minoxidil. Also this group's satisfaction of topical minoxidil solution was lower than that of the group who had consulted a doctor. Some patients with heart problems (10.4%) had been used topical minoxidil solution without any caution.
CONCLUSION
Although topical minoxidil solution is an over-the-counter medicine, careful explanation of its usage and side effects should be provided before application. To make sure and increase its exact effectiveness, the role of dermatologist should be emphasized.