What's the difference between Minoxidil foam and liquid?

Question

Greetings, I've recently complained about minoxidil liquid 5% for men and I've complained because it has been causing my itching and dandruff-like flakes, peeling of scalp in other words. I want to know why most doctors here suggested I switch to minoxidil foam, why? What's the difference between foam and liquid? Thanks.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

Minoxidil foam has less alcohol and propylene glycol then the minoxidil liquid. It is possible that your symptoms are related to the vehicle and not the minoxidil. For this reason your treatment team has suggested changing the minoxidil vehicle. Should this not be helpful, you can also go to a compounding pharmacy who can make up the minoxidil without propylene glycol. Hope this helps. Good luck.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Minoxidil itself causes skin reaction and results in itching and skin irritation. If this is what you have, switching to the foam for will not help the reaction you are seeing

What's the difference between Minoxidil foam and liquid?

Answers (2)