Opinions or reviews on Azelaeic acid?

[TA45]

Hello,
Recently I emailed a hair transplant Dr. and asked him if there was something I can do to keep my hair besides Finasteride. I also explained that I am currently on minoxidil 5%, Nizoral 1% & 2%.. He was very nice and replied back with suggesting I get a prescription for "Azelex" as azelaeic acid. He also told me to get on a 2% Zinc pyrithione shampoo. For those curious, i'm not currently on Finasteride due to side effects. Does anyone have any experience with either of these two recommended products. For the record, I have diffuse thinning on top. Thank you!
Tim

 

[Cassin]

Do a search for "Xandrox"

 

[B58]

Dunno bout the acid, but I've been using a generic version of Head and Shoulders shampoo for over a year and can highly recommend it. It contains the zinc pyro and has greatly reduced my daily shedding and leaves my hair with a nice texture. I use it almost daily, but at first I had to work it in to my routine, it's pretty strong stuff.

 

[Petchsky]

Be careful with Zinc based shampoos or topicals if you use minoxidil, it can effect the absorption.

 

[JWM]

Be careful with Zinc based shampoos or topicals if you use minoxidil, it can effect the absorption.

I don't agree with that at all. This notion is based on the study that found minoxidil to be helpful when used separately, Zinc shampoo helpful when used separately, but when used in conjunction with one another, there was no cummulative benefit. This simply means that while there was no additive effect, there was no deterimental one either.

I emailed Dr. Proctor this question, and this is primarily what he explained to me. He also said that in all his years he has never seen a problem with using zinc and minoxidil topicals together (as long as they are not mixed in the same bottle)

Dr. P said there is good science behind topical zinc which is probably why he puts it in his Prox-N--a treatment originally designed to be an adjunct to Minoxidil!

I've been on these boards and others forever and have read too many positive testimonials from users who have used minoxidil AND zinc topicals/shampoos with good success. I think this 'theory' is just one of those internet rumors that got carried away.

 

[SoThatsLife]

Negative studies about azelaeic acid

"Clinical and Laboratory Studies on Treatment with 20% Azelaic Acid Cream for Acne", Cunliffe et al, Acta Derm Venereol (Stockh) 1989; Suppl 143: 31-34. "DISCUSSION [...] No changes in sebum excretion rate were observed--hence azelaic acid does not modify sebaceous gland activity..."

"Effects of Azelaic Acid on Sebaceous Gland, Sebum Excretion Rate and Keratinization Pattern in Human Skin", Mayer-Da-Silva et al, Acta Derm Venereol (Stockh) 1989; Suppl 143: 20-30. "Results of the Clinical Trial [...] The size of the glands and the size and number of the gland lobules of each group in the population (normal, seborrheic and acne) were evaluated before and after treatment (AZA and vehicle). Skilled statistical evaluation of the specimens obtained before and after treatment revealed no differences between the AZA-treated side or the vehicle side of normal, seborrheic or acne skin...Our results show that AZA, when applied topically over a period of 3 months, does not induce alterations in the size of the sebaceous glands, leading us to suggest that AZA does not exert any direct influence on the functional activity of the sebaceous gland. Conclusion [...] In contrast, no significant changes could be found after topical application of AZA with regard to the sebum excretion rate and the size of sebaceous glands."

"Pharmacologic Investigation of Azelaic Acid", Rach et al, J Invest Dermatol 1986; 86: 327. "The hamster ear lipogenesis model was used to evaluate the influence of azelaic acid on sebaceous gland activity. No effect on lipogenesis was observed following a treatment over a 4-month period with a 10% azelaic acid solution."

"...We have measured the effect on sebum excretion rate (SER) and acne lesion count of 20% azelaic acid cream applied twice daily to the forehead for 6 weeks. In nine patients (six male, three female, aged 17-32 years) mean SER was 1.8 ug/cm^2/min +/- 0.3 s.e.m. before treatment. After treatment there were small increases of SER in eight and a small decrease in one, so that mean SER was 2.0 ug/cm^2/min +/- 0.3 s.e.m. [...] Interestingly, although seven out of nine patients said that the treated skin was 'drier', there was no change in skin appearance. With all previously studied sebostatic agents a therapeutically worthwhile decrease in SER would be easily detectable by the end of the 6-week treatment even with the small number of patients studied. Thus, unless azelaic acid has a unique cumulative action we conclude that it is unlikely to have a useful sebostatic effect."

For more info read this: http://www.hairsite.com/hair-loss/forum ... 24427.html

 

[Petchsky]

Be careful with Zinc based shampoos or topicals if you use minoxidil, it can effect the absorption.

I don't agree with that at all. This notion is based on the study that found minoxidil to be helpful when used separately, Zinc shampoo helpful when used separately, but when used in conjunction with one another, there was no cummulative benefit. This simply means that while there was no additive effect, there was no deterimental one either.

I emailed Dr. Proctor this question, and this is primarily what he explained to me. He also said that in all his years he has never seen a problem with using zinc and minoxidil topicals together (as long as they are not mixed in the same bottle)

Dr. P said there is good science behind topical zinc which is probably why he puts it in his Prox-N--a treatment originally designed to be an adjunct to Minoxidil!

I've been on these boards and others forever and have read too many positive testimonials from users who have used minoxidil AND zinc topicals/shampoos with good success. I think this 'theory' is just one of those internet rumors that got carried away.

Good enough for me...didn't realise zinc was in prox n - though i once used the head and shoulders shampoo with zinc in it and it made my hair go very strange and wiry, i've read of other people having a similar reaction.

 

[TA45]

Wow, i'm very satisfied with the responses and hope they continue to come in!! B58 what is the name of the Zinc shampoo you are referring to and what percent Zinc is it? You mention your shedding decreased since starting it. Does that mean you were shedding more on the regular Zinc 1% shampoo and the 2% helps big time? To be honest, the 1% does jack for me. Thanks guys as I continue to seek a topical that works in addition to minoxidil. Again, Finas low dose is not doable right now for me. I'm no basher, just isn't for me right now. Have a good one.-Tim

 

[B58]

Tim -

I've used various generic versions of Head and Shoulders shampoo, they all contain 1% zinc pyro. For the price you can't beat it. H & S does, I think, make a version with 2% zinc p. A few years back I was using zix for about half a year and also had reduced shedding.

I am aware of the zix/minoxidil issue. My personal experience combining the two in a regimin over many months, it hasn't been a problem.