After application of Minoxidil 5%, I have dandruff-like flakes on my scalp.

Question

Hi.. 1. Age 34 yrs male, using Minoxidil 5% twice a day. 2. After application i have dandruff like white flakes on my scalp which looks very unhygienic. Although I am using 'CANDID B' lotion (Clotrimazole+Beclomethasone) but that does'nt help much. 3. I am also using Tab BIOTINE once a day. Please advice....

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

One of the side effects of using topical minoxidil is dry flakey skin or scalp irritation.  See your doctor for an exam to make sure this is not something else.

Jacquelline Leva, DO · Answer

HiThank you for your inquiry. Certainly minoxdil topical can dry the scalp and cause scaling more common with the lotion you can switch to a foam formulation if your insurance covers it. Especially if you see clotrimazole and beclomethasone are not working. can try anti inflammatory such as saylicyic acid, zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide to help with itching . hydrate with coconut oil as well once a week. Hope that helps. Try minoxdil topical once a day to see if reduce incidence or see if your doctor believes you are a candidate for PO Minoxdil

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Scalp flaking is common with the lotion formulation. It's not a fungus so antifungals are not needed (nor are topical steroids). There are a couple of options you can consider. First, if you are not using the minoxidil foam try switching from the lotion drops to the foam.    This helps some individualsI suspect you'll want to try a few different things (or even a combination of things)1. Try shampooing daily2. Use a shampoo with salicyclic acid a few times weekly as thisnreally helps lift off scale. 3. Try other anti inflammatory shampoos including those with selenium sulphide, zinc pyrithione and tar4. Reduce minoxidil to once daily for a period of time

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Minoxidil can dry the scalp and cause dandruff. Best to use a good conditioner and possibly a good anti-dandruff shampoo

Rana Irfan, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Flake formation usually happens in minoxidil lotion sprays and more if you have been using twice day ......i would advise you to stop usingAnti-fungal and steroids ...you can go for three four options 1  stop using minoxidil for one week 2 start applying oil ( coco nut oil ) at night and shampoo it in morning ultimately apply minoxidil spay / lotion 3 you can try minoxidil lotion once a day 4 you can shift on minoxidil foam ...

After application of Minoxidil 5%, I have dandruff-like flakes on my scalp.

Answers (5)

Answer: Minoxidil and dandruff

Answer: Minoxidil and dandruff

Answer: Flakes Formation After Minoxidil Application

Answer: Flakes Formation After Minoxidil Application

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After application of Minoxidil 5%, I have dandruff-like flakes on my scalp.

Answers (5)

Answer: Minoxidil and dandruff

Answer: Minoxidil and dandruff

Answer: Flakes Formation After Minoxidil Application

Answer: Flakes Formation After Minoxidil Application

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.