TOPICAL EFLORNITHINE TREATMENT FOR HIRSUTISM IN WOMEN: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

Aleksandra Wiśniewska; Małgorzata Kuczek; Karolina Kasprzak; Zuzanna  Rabczak; Julia Marek; Justyna Tasior

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5261

Authors

Aleksandra Wiśniewska Independent Public Health Care Facility in Puławy, Puławy, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7319-3962
Małgorzata Kuczek Independent Public Healthcare Institution of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration in Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2936-3857
Karolina Kasprzak 1st Military Clinical Hospital with the Outpatient Clinic, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4287-6428
Zuzanna Rabczak Faculty of Dentistry, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0523-888X
Julia Marek Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Provincial Specialist Hospital SPZOZ in Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8505-0917
Justyna Tasior Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Provincial Specialist Hospital SPZOZ in Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2576-0865

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5261

Keywords:

Hirsutism Treatment, Topical Eflornithine, Intense Pulsed Light, Laser Hair Removal

Abstract

Introduction: Hirsutism impacts 5–10% of women of reproductive age, characterized by excessive male-pattern terminal hair growth. Excess facial hair is notably distressing given its visibility, commonly diminishing women's perceptions of femininity. Evidence from clinical studies reveals that eflornithine attenuates facial hair proliferation and conspicuousness, thereby ameliorating quality of life.

Aim of the study: This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of topical eflornithine preparations in the treatment of hirsutism in women. The analysis focused specifically on monotherapy with eflornithine or in combination with other therapies such as laser and intense pulsed light treatments. Pharmacokinetics and safety of use were also evaluated. The data collected were synthesized descriptively to support a comparative assessment of different eflornithine-based treatment strategies.

Material and method: This study used a systematic literature review methodology to synthesize the scientific evidence on the efficacy of topical eflornithine in the treatment of hirsutism in women. The literature review was compiled using the PubMed and Google Scholar platforms, including articles published between 2001 and 2006.

Results: Topical eflornithine emerges as an efficacious intervention for hirsutism in women, demonstrating superior clinical outcomes whether employed as monotherapy or adjunctively with laser or IPL therapies.

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