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Can oral Minoxidil help with alopecia areata & can it be taken as a preventative?

Steven_gqMar 11, 2023
Hello, hair loss Doctors. Can low dose oral minoxidil help with alopecia areata? Also can it also be taken as a preventative as well to future alopecia areata spots? I know it's meant for genetic hair loss but can it help prevent alopecia areata as well? Does minoxidil have any affect on the immune cells that attack the follicles in alopecia areata? Thank you

Answers (2)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Marco Barusco, MD profile photo
Dr. Marco Barusco, MD
Board Certified Hair Restoration Surgeon
5.0 | 15 Reviews
Answered on Apr 25, 2025
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Dr. Kulakarn Amonpattana, MD
Hair Restoration Surgeon
Answered on Aug 29, 2023
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Marco Barusco, MD

Hello, The likelihood and intensity of the "dread shed" from oral minoxidil are not directly related to the dosage. Shedding occurs as part of the hair growth cycle resetting, which can happen regardless of the dose. However, lower doses may lead to less overall stimulation of follicles,...

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Audrey G. Bauer, MD

Telogen Effluvium is NOT associated with miniaturization of hair. In TE (there are 5 different types/patterns) the normal terminal (thick) hair is shed without any underlying changes to the hair structure itself. Hair miniaturization is a direct result of changes to the health and structure of...

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Audrey G. Bauer, MD

If you take finasteride up until the day you start your dutasteride then there will be no gap in the protection against DHT formation. The half life of finasteride is only 7 hours but it blocks DHT formation for about 4 days so as long as you make a direct transition you will in no way "lose...

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Marco Barusco, MD

Hello, Shedding miniaturized, thin hairs is a common sign of AGA (androgenetic alopecia). In AGA, hair follicles shrink over time, producing thinner hairs that eventually fall out as part of the hair cycle. While telogen effluvium (TE) can coexist with AGA and cause additional shedding, the...

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Marco Barusco, MD

Hello, It’s possible that zinc deficiency contributed to your hair shedding, and the improvement you’re seeing suggests the supplements are addressing the underlying issue. Regrowth can take several months, as hair cycles take time to progress. As new hairs grow, they may appear thicker and hea...

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Nadir Qazi, DO

While rare, it is possible to experience an allergic reaction to minoxidil. An allergic reaction to minoxidil can present in various ways, including itching, redness, swelling, hives, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, an allergic reaction can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening...

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