Minoxidil causing dandruff-like flakes on hair from drying skin. Any suggestions?

Question

Does Minoxidil affect the hair's scalp healthiness if it dries and peels of dry skin or makes the scalp dry? I've been using it for a while and started having dandruff-like flakes after itching or so... Not from over shampooing it. What can I do to stop this?

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, two ingredients of the minoxidil may be causing your problem. The alcohol could be causing it to be dry and Flaky. The propylene glycol could be causing an irritation reaction. My suggestion is go to a hair loss expert and have them prescibe you a specially compounded version of minoxidil. An alternative is an herbal preparation made by Legacy Pharmaceuticals. In the US it's called Q lib. It comes either with Minoxidil or by itself. Try the  herbal product. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Baubac Hayatdavoudi, MD · Answer

Yes, this is a pretty straightforward issues. Our scalps have a specific pH.  For some patients, particularly from the Middle East, the pH of the scalp is slightly more acidic.  The minoxidil formulations are variable and there are many different types of solvent used.  In the liquid solution for minoxidil, the pH of the scalp determines absorbability.  The solution you are using is not being absorbed.  The pH of your scalp is interfering with your minoxidil solution and the crusting you see is the actual minoxidil medication on top of your scalp. Simply apply minoxidil after showering, switch to another liquid formula, or use the foam minoxidil.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Thank you for posting your question. Yes, sometimes the Minoxidil can cause dryness and flakes on the scalp this is from the alcohol found in the solution. Try using am organic conditioner to see if it will help.

Michael Meshkin, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

There are many side effects associated with minoxidil. The most common ones are skin irritation, scalp dryness, itching, dizziness, and palpitations. If you are experiencing any of these, you may need to contact a hair loss specialist or stop the medication.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

This drug is known to cause both dryness and skin irritation. Use conditioners on your hair to set the scalp, but if this fails, you might have to stop the drug.

Rana Irfan, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Minoxidil spray causes itching and dryness in many patients.....( contact dermatitis) ..In these cases  l advise  once daily usage instead of twice daily and Minoxidil Foam instead of spray ....this can reduce the dryness ....

Minoxidil causing dandruff-like flakes on hair from drying skin. Any suggestions?

Answers (6)

More Hair Loss Treatment Questions

Finasteride - make hairline/thinning worse?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (6)

More Hair Loss Treatment Questions

Finasteride - make hairline/thinning worse?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS