ReviewJournal of cosmetic dermatology2026
Topical Minoxidil and Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil in Onychodystrophy: A Proposed Treatment Algorithm.
Review in Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundOnychodystrophy includes diverse nail disorders that may impair function and quality of life. Because nails grow slowly, adjunctive therapies that promote nail growth are of increasing interest.
aimThis review examines the evidence for minoxidil in nail growth and nail disorders and proposes a treatment algorithm for its adjunctive use in onychodystrophy.
methodA structured search of PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted on December 10, 2025, using terms related to minoxidil and nails. Records were deduplicated, screened, and appraised by full-text review using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2009 levels.
resultsA potential adjunctive treatment algorithm is proposed, emphasizing treatment of the underlying nail disorder first. Topical minoxidil (2% or 5% solution or foam, applied once or twice daily to the proximal nail fold) or low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM; 0.625-2.5 mg/day in females and 1.25-5 mg/day in males) may then be considered, with appropriate monitoring and discontinuation criteria. Safety data for topical use indicate predominantly local irritation, whereas LDOM has been associated with tachycardia, edema, and other systemic adverse effects. Minoxidil may support nail growth through KATP channel-mediated vasodilation and growth factor signaling, with downstream activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
conclusionMinoxidil shows potential as an adjunct to support nail growth, but nail-disorder-specific evidence remains limited. Controlled trials are needed to define efficacy, optimal regimens, and safety in onychodystrophy.
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