Journal of

Background and Aim: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of alopecia in men, worldwide and topical minoxidil appears to be the most effective and safe treatment for AGA beside oral finasteride. Safety assessment of topical minoxidil formulation could be conducted using in vivo studies on human volunteers. Using skin biophysical parameters is a fast and noninvasive method for safety assessment of topical products.

Methods: A topical combination of Minoxidil 5% solution in combination with chamomile extract from Iran’s pharmaceutical market tested on the skin of the forearm of 15 healthy volunteers. Changes in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration, pH, melanin and hemoglobin contents have been evaluated, using biometric assessments with MPA 580 Cutometer®.

Results: There was not any significant change in skin hydration (P=0.692), TEWL (P=0.191), stratum corneum pH (P=0.613), melanin (P=0.533), and hemoglobin (P=0.579) contents before and after topical minoxidil application.

Conclusion: No significant change detected in skin erythema and assessed parameters Application of minoxidil 5% + chamomile 7% topical solution on human volunteers has not shown any adverse effects and these formulations could be recommended to use.

Background and Aim: In order to overcome the local side effects of the conventional treatments for atopic dermatitis, a new attitude regarding alternative treatments would be needed, which herbal medicines are promising approachs in this case.
 

Methods: It was a 4-week, before-after clinical study, conducted on 20 participants (16 women and 4 men) aged 39.95±11.04 years. The severity scoring of atopic dermatitis was determined based on total & local SCORAD. skin biophisical parameters including TEWL ,skin hydration, pH, temperature, sebum and skin erythema were also measured after 2 and 4 weeks application of the study product. Participants’ satisfaction as well as tolerability of the product were assessed by monitoring the adverse effects.
 

Results: A significant improvement was detected in LOCAL and TOTAL SCORAD at weeks 2 and 4 (P<0.01). The intensity of burning and pruritus also showed a significant decrease at weeks 2 and 4 (P<0.01). A significant increase in the skin hydration was shown at weeks 2 and 4 after treatment (P<0.01). 84.1% and 78.9% of participants described their skin lesions as "improved" or "much improved", 2 and 4 weeks after treatment respectively.
 

Conclusion: The test cream containing oats and chamomile extract is considered a safe and effective product for improving mild to moderate lesions of atopic dermatitis.