Sodium Thiosulfate

Is it effective against hair loss?

To date, we have only one mouse study demonstrating the efficacy of sodium thiosulfate on hair growth. Aside from that, we have a few studies showing its efficacy against eczema, which is a condition that can affect the scalp and cause hair loss.

Sodium thiosulfate promotes hair growth on mice

A 2019 study by Maekawa and colleagues investigated the efficacy of sodium thiosulfate on hair growth. Researchers topically applied various concentrations of sodium thiosulfate, minoxidil 5%, and a combination of both compounds to shaved mice. They found that sodium thiosulfate promoted hair growth significantly, although to a lesser degree than minoxidil 5%.

Specifically, 6 weeks of treatment with a sodium thiosulfate lotion resulted in newly grown hair covering over 50% of the shaved area on the mice. Comparatively, about 80% hair regrowth was achieved with minoxidil alone in the same timeframe.

Combining minoxidil with sodium thiosulfate led to slightly better results, though the improvement over minoxidil alone was minimal.

STS : sodium thiosulfate ; MXD : minoxidil

Here are before-and-after pictures of mice comparing the control group (without the active ingredient) to the STS 10% group (sodium thiosulfate):

This study is very interesting because it indicates sodium thiosulfate may be a highly effective hair growth compound. We believe it has potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vasorelaxant properties.

Additionally, its ability to reduce scalp inflammation and irritation could make sodium thiosulfate beneficial for improving minoxidil tolerance. As minoxidil is known to cause inflammatory responses and irritation in some people, combining it with sodium thiosulfate’s anti-inflammatory effects may allow more patients to use it safely and effectively.

The fact that sodium thiosulfate stimulated regrowth on its own in mice, though less robustly than minoxidil, also suggests it actively encourages new follicle and shaft formation through separate mechanisms. Further human trials are needed, but formulating sodium thiosulfate for alopecia treatment shows significant promise as an adjunct or alternative. We eagerly await studies assessing real-world applications, both solo and combined with conventional growth promoters like minoxidil.

Sodium thiosulfate may treat Eczema

In 2022 and 2023, Yilan Zeng and his team conducted two studies to test the effectiveness of sodium thiosulfate as a treatment for atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema.

They found that sodium thiosulfate is a promising eczema treatment because it inhibits the buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduces activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, an inflammatory pathway, and associated production of the inflammatory substance IL-1β.

Specifically, sodium thiosulfate was shown to lessen eczema symptoms by counteracting oxidative stress and calming inflammation tied to the NLRP3 inflammasome and interleukin-1 beta. By demonstrating these mechanisms, Zeng et al. highlighted the potential for sodium thiosulfate to serve as an important new eczema therapy.

Eczema is a skin condition that causes itchy, red, dry patches on the skin. It happens when the skin barrier that keeps moisture in and irritants out does not work properly. This allows moisture to escape and irritants to enter, which leads to itchiness and inflammation.

Closing thoughts and verdict

I believe sodium thiosulfate could prove an effective treatment for eczema and hair loss, potentially serving as an alternative or complement to minoxidil. However, we do not yet have sufficient studies to make bold claims about its efficacy.

We may also be able to combine sodium thiosulfate with minoxidi, if we can do a stable formulation, to reduce the irritation that many experience from minoxidil application.

Those suffering from scarring alopecia may also encounter sodium thiosulfate as part of their treatment protocol.

Precautions & side effects

Side Effects

• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever, chills
• Dizziness, headache
• Shortness of breath
• Allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing)
• Severe hypotension may occur if used intravenous

Precautions

• Use caution if you have heart, kidney, or liver problems
• Use caution if you have ongoing bacterial infections
• May cause metabolic acidosis with prolonged use
• Increased risk of side effects at high doses
• Increased risk of toxicity when combined with certain drugs (cisplatin, nitroglycerin)
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• Tell your doctor about any herbs, vitamins, OTC medications, or prescription drugs you are taking
• Stay hydrated and monitor electrolyte levels while using
• Speak with your doctor about appropriate dosing and duration of use