Scientists invent gel that stops beards growing

[Flan]

\o/
By Sadie Whitelocks

PUBLISHED: 07:21 EST, 26 March 2012
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2120487/Closest-shave-Scientists-invent-gel-stops-beards-growing-ladies-work-legs-too.html

A team from the University of Pennsylvania found that a drug, widely used to treat viral infections of the eye, helped stop the growth of unwanted hair when it was added to a rub-on gel.

A trial involving male participants showed the product kept facial hair at bay for up to six weeks.

[Alyx.]

Nice.

I wanna rub it on my legs.

[Jamiep]

Ah, to never shave for 6 weeks would be a dream come true.

Jamie

[Elasmotraxx]

I'd use that. But then I couldn't grow a stache for "mustache madness"

[pebbles]

In practice we know whats going to happen shaving industry is gonna buy out the patent then stick it on the shelf for 12 years.

[~RoadToTrista~]

Nice.

I wanna rub it on my legs.

LOL that was my first thought. >.< I could use some on my face too.

[Padma]

In practice we know whats going to happen shaving industry is gonna buy out the patent then stick it on the shelf for 12 years.

Fortunately, it's already out there as a drug. I don't think they can patent a side-effect (I hope). I'd be very happy to trial this!

[Beverley]

One word...

Laser

[Padma]

Two words...

Grey hair

[Beverley]

Grey hair

I know... I have enough of them too, but what they did not say in that article is that the basis of this gel (cidofovir) can cause kidney damage.

Three more words

Expensive electrolysis. Grumble!

[Padma]

Clearly it needs extensive testing - but the kidney damage potential is at its normal dosage of 5mg/kg of body weight per week, so at even 3% gel suspension it's got to be a way lower dosage than that - especially if they're saying it's effective for up to 6 weeks.

I'm just hoping . Nearly all of my facial hair is white. I'm not looking forward to all the electrolysis awaiting me when my laser is done . Expensive and painful. And there don't appear to be options in the UK for getting it done quickly, like you can in the US.

[pebbles]

Clearly it needs extensive testing - but the kidney damage potential is at its normal dosage of 5mg/kg of body weight per week, so at even 3% gel suspension it's got to be a way lower dosage than that - especially if they're saying it's effective for up to 6 weeks.

I'm just hoping . Nearly all of my facial hair is white. I'm not looking forward to all the electrolysis awaiting me when my laser is done . Expensive and painful. And there don't appear to be options in the UK for getting it done quickly, like you can in the US.

Bear in mind the kidney hazard only applies when you swallow it, if your supposed to apply it to your face only a tiny quantity will actually penetrate your skin into your blood. so you can probably up the dose much higher than 3%

Also consider that most people taking this drug who develop kidney problems are taking the drug everyday... Your only taking it once every 6 weeks.