Butenafine

Is it effective against hair loss?

As of today, we have no direct studies on butenafine and its relationship with hair loss. However, we do have studies that demonstrate its effectiveness as an antifungal agent.

Indirectly, this property can prove to be very effective against certain forms of alopecia such as seborrheic alopecia and Tinea Capitis.

Butenafine may reduce seborrheic dermatisis and seborrheic alopecia

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes flaky, dry, white to yellowish scales on oily areas of the skin. It commonly affects the scalp, causing red, itchy, and greasy flaking that can lead to seborrheic alopecia – a form of hair loss due to inflammation from seborrheic dermatitis.

In a 2009 study, researchers conducted tests on two antifungal medications, butenafine and clotrimazole, to evaluate their effectiveness against Malassezia, a type of fungal infection.

The results indicated that both treatments were equally effective in treating fungal infections and successfully alleviated seborrheic dermatitis in the majority of the patients.

This study suggests that butenafine could be a highly viable option for individuals dealing with seborrheic dermatitis or other conditions related to fungal infections.

Butenafine in case of Cicatricial alopecia

Some forms of scarring alopecia are caused by fungal infections and can take on very severe forms. Generally, oral antifungals are used along with antifungal shampoos such as ciclopirox.

Butenafine, although very rarely used, is also an antifungal agent that can sometimes be prescribed in the form of a cream as an supplementary treatment. However, it remains a secondary option and doctors generally do not prescribe it as a first-line treatment. 

Here is an example of cicatricial alopecia of the Tinea Capitis type :

There are several studies that demonstrate butenafine’s efficacy against tinea fungal infections. While these infections can appear on different body parts and be caused by various fungi, topical antifungals like butenafine can be broadly effective.

When tinea infection affects the scalp, it is called tinea capitis. The first line treatments are oral antifungal medication coupled with antifungal shampoos containing ciclopirox or ketoconazole.

Rarely, doctors may also prescribe topical antifungal creams or solutions. In these cases, butenafine may be an option. However, it is not a first choice and even as an supplementary treatment, there are other preferred alternatives because Butenafine is used in Tinea Versicolor/Cruris rather than Tinea Capitis.

Closing thoughts and verdict

I think Butenafine could be effective for seborrheic alopecia caused by seborrheic dermatitis. It may also be useful for Tinea Capitis, in addition to primary treatments.

However, for both conditions, Butenafine is not a first-line treatment as there are more widely used options supported by evidence from many studies. In most of the cases, Butenafine is only used in Tinea Versicolor/Cruris rather than Tinea Capitis.

Precautions & side effects

Side Effects:

• Skin irritation, redness, burning or stinging sensation
• Dryness, itching or peeling of treated skin
• Rash or hives
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• Changes in skin coloration
• Exacerbation of symptoms after initial improvement

Rare Side Effects:

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Hair loss (alopecia) at application site
• Changes in sense of taste or smell
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea

Precautions:

• Not for oral, ophthalmic or intravaginal use
• Use with caution in patients with conditions involving peripheral vascular disease or poor peripheral circulation
• Avoid covering treated skin areas with occlusive dressings