Carboxytherapy in Androgenetic Alopecia: Hype or Hope?

Abstract

Background Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss in men and can impose a significant psychosocial burden, reducing self-esteem and quality of life. Current standard treatments include topical minoxidil and oral finasteride; however, there is no definitive or fully satisfactory treatment. Carboxytherapy increases blood flow and enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. It may also facilitate transdermal drug delivery and improve the response to standard therapy.Methods Forty-six male patients aged 18-50 years with moderate-to-severe androgenetic alopecia (AGA) were allocated into two groups. The intervention group received topical minoxidil 5, oral finasteride 1 mg, and carboxytherapy. A total of six sessions were administered at 2-week intervals over approximately 12 weeks. The control group received topical minoxidil 5 and oral finasteride 1 mg alone. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 24 weeks post-treatment using standardized photography, dermoscopy, and patient satisfaction based on a 7-point grading scale.Results At 24 weeks post-treatment, both groups showed statistically significant improvements in patient satisfaction and photography-dermoscopy scores. However, the intervention group achieved significantly higher dermoscopy-photography scores than the control group (p = 0.006).Conclusion Adding carboxytherapy to standard therapy (topical minoxidil and oral finasteride) resulted in greater clinical improvement and higher patient satisfaction compared with standard therapy alone.