title: Sensitization to saw palmetto and minoxidil in separate topical extemporaneous treatments for androgenetic alopecia.
abstract: We report a 24-year-old woman with androgenetic alopecia who became sensitized to topical minoxidil following use of an extemporaneous preparation of minoxidil 4% with retinoic acid in a propylene glycol base. She subsequently also became sensitized to saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), a topical herbal extract commonly promoted for the treatment of hair loss.
authors.affiliation: Skin and Cancer Foundation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. sinclair@svhm.org.au
authors.forename: Rodney D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Sinclair
authors.forename: Rica S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Mallari
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Tate
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000505:Alopecia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008914:Minoxidil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000209:etiology; D028024:Serenoa
chemical_list: D028321:Plant Preparations; D008914:Minoxidil