Nanoparticles represent effective delivery systems for drugs into the hair follicle

During recent years, hair follicles (HF) have attracted much attention in several fields of research. Representing complex and dynamic three-dimensional structures, the HF are susceptible to several disturbances, and consequently, they are increasingly being considered as relevant drug targets. Moreover, they represent important drug delivery routes through the stratum corneum into deeper skin layers. Follicular targeting, ideally topical delivery of substances to specific compartments and cell populations within the HF, offers opportunities in the treatment of HF associated diseases, immunotherapy and even gene therapy, as the bulge region of the HF represents a reservoir of stem cells. Recently, nano-sized particles (NP) were shown to represent excellent delivery systems for follicular penetration.