Scalp is sore to the touch after nizoral and minoxidil. Any suggestions?

Question

I have started using nizoral shampoo and started using minoxidil, scalp has now however become more aggravated and is now sore to the touch. I was diagnosed with genetic hairloss, and seborrhoeic dermatitis. Will this "aggravated scalp' lead to permanent damage to hair follicles. There is no blood or scabbing of any sort just a sore scalp, very little swelling type bumps (2-3) and skin cells/ dandruff.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

If your scalp is sore after using a product such as Nizoral or minoxidil then you probably have an allergic type of reaction.  You should not be using it.  See a doctor if it persists.

Brian Goertz, MD (retired) · Answer

You most likely have an allergic reaction to the minoxidil. That is more common than a reaction to Nizoral shampoo. Stop the minoxidil and see if their is improvement. If not resolved in a week to 10 days see your doctor.

Scalp is sore to the touch after nizoral and minoxidil. Any suggestions?

Answers (2)