Long-term effectiveness and safety of topical finasteride 0.25% monotherapy in male androgenetic alopecia: a…

Cohort studyClinical and experimental dermatology· Aug 2026

Long-term effectiveness and safety of topical finasteride 0.25% monotherapy in male androgenetic alopecia: a 52-week real-world retrospective study.

Giuseppe Gallo, Luca Mastorino, Pietro Quaglino, Simone Ribero

Hair & NailCohort studyTreatmentQ2IF 1.3

Topical finasteride 0.25% linked to higher vertex hair density after one year

Long-term effectiveness and safety of topical finasteride 0.25% monotherapy in male androgenetic alopecia: a 52-week real-world retrospective study.

Giuseppe Gallo … Simone Ribero

Clinical and experimental dermatology · Aug 2026 · Q2 in Dermatology

Background

Oral finasteride is a cornerstone in the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia (androgenetic alopecia), yet concerns regarding systemic adverse events often limit patient adherence.

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of topical finasteride 0.25% as monotherapy in male patients with androgenetic alopecia over 52 weeks in a real-world setting.

Methods

Were evaluated at baseline (T0) and after 52 weeks (T52) using standardized clinical photography and videodermoscopy (VIDIX system), with paired intra-patient comparisons.

n = 123 adult

+21.8

Results

+21.8

hairs/cm2

vertex hair density rose over the year, more hairs per area

n = 123 adult

More results

Significant improvements were also noted in hair shaft thickness and the terminal-to-vellus ratio.

The treatment was well tolerated; 7.3% of patients reported mild, transient local irritation.

No systemic adverse events related to sexual function or mood were reported.

“

Conclusion · 1 of 2

Topical finasteride 0.25% monotherapy demonstrates sustained clinical efficacy and a favorable safety profile after one year of treatment.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

These findings support its use as a viable therapeutic option for male androgenetic alopecia, particularly for patients reluctant to undergo systemic therapy.

Long-term effectiveness and safety of topical finasteride 0.25% monotherapy in male androgenetic alopecia: a 52-week real-world retrospective study.

Long-term effectiveness and safety of topical finasteride 0.25% monotherapy in male androgenetic alopecia: a 52-week real-world retrospective study.

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