Safety of topical finasteride around kids?

Question

Hi, I’m using a 0.1% finasteride topical solution every night after kids go to bed . Is it safe to use it when have young children, especially boys in the house? Could it spread through pillows, sofas or touch? My assumption has always been that whatever’s not absorbed degrades with the exposure to air and light.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Finasteride is a medication often used in the treatment of male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia. While it is generally safe for adult men to use, there are some considerations to keep in mind when using it in a household with children, especially boys.

Finasteride can potentially cause harm if absorbed through the skin, particularly in male infants and children. This is due to its ability to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which can affect male sexual development.

Although the risk of transmission through household items like pillows and sofas is considered low, it's still recommended to minimize the potential for exposure. Here are some precautions you can take:

1. Always wash your hands thoroughly after applying the medication to prevent any residue from being transferred to shared surfaces.
2. Avoid letting children come into contact with areas where the medication has been applied until it has fully dried and absorbed.
3. Store the medication out of reach of children.
4. Keep treated areas covered, especially while sleeping, to prevent transfer onto bed linens.

It's also worth noting that finasteride does degrade when exposed to light and air, but the rate and extent of this degradation can vary.

In conclusion, while the risk of harm to children from topical finasteride is low, especially with careful use, it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your specific situation.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. The risk of Finasteride around kids is low. That being said your should take a few precautions such as washing your hands very well after use, don't let the kids come in contact , and cover the area you have applied Finasteride to especially while sleeping. Great question, best of luck to you.

Dr. T

Dr. T

Wipawan Vathananai, MD · Answer

I think most of the medication sticks to your scalp more than on the pillow/sofas or touching. Also, if you still have some hair then it's going to cover the scalp and prevent the medication to stick to other stuff. Also, 0.1% is very low concentration.

Safety of topical finasteride around kids?

Answers (3)

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