Can finasteride cause dry, itchy scalp?

Question

I have been on Finasteride for about 7 months, and have noticed increasingly worsening scalp itch, without any dandruff or flaking. Can Finasteride cause dry itchy scalp due to the changes to DHT etc?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

finesteride doesnt cause itching in our practice we use restorsea spray (fish enzyme to help dry scalp) to combat this and give all our hair loss patients a topical steroid a few times a week. i suggest seeing an expert as this is likely not related to hair loss. A cell also helps with the itchiness Best, Dr. Emer.

Robert Nettles, MD · Answer

Despite what the other doctors might say, there actually are some side effects that come along with Finasteride for some people.Many users of Finasteride have been known to report various side effects after using the product, which are the result of hormone imbalances caused by standardized dosing of those medicines in oral form, such as scalp irritation you are experiencing. It is also worth noting that any 
medicine that actually can make changes inside your body, are required 
under the FDA to be available by prescription only. This therefore means
 that it is not possible for anything that does not require a 
prescription to cure or prevent hair loss or regrow thinning hair. Thus,
 a personalized medicine will be the best choice because instead of a 
"one size fits all" approach, you will be taking something which is 
truly catered to your body's needs.
The number one first step I recommend is a comprehensive consultation with a hair regrowth specialist who will perform lab tests to determine  the underlying cause of your thinning. Without labs, no-one can really know what your true cause is and any treatment will be temporary at best. From here, you can receive the best treatment for your case.
The treatment is out there. Good luck on your search.

John Kahen, MD · Answer

No, Finasteride typically doesn't cause any scalp irritation. Have you switched up your shampoo? I would consider trying  the shampoo called Nioxin number 1 or 2.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

It’s unlikely but not impossible. The most likely reasons include considerations like seborrheic dermatitis. Be sure to see a dermatologist if concerns persist.

Robert Jones, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Finasteride is an amazing medication for hair loss, with low incidence of side effects. We give over a thousand scripts per year out for this medication and have only 1% that have to stop using it because of side effects. Over half regrow hair using this medication. No study on this medication that I've seen attributes a dry itchy scalp to the use of this medication,Dr. Robert Jones

Can finasteride cause dry, itchy scalp?

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Answer: Dry itchy scalp

Answer: Can finasteride cause dry, itchy scalp?

Answer: Can finasteride cause dry, itchy scalp?

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Can finasteride cause dry, itchy scalp?

Answers (7)

Answer: Dry itchy scalp

Answer: Dry itchy scalp

Answer: Can finasteride cause dry, itchy scalp?

Answer: Can finasteride cause dry, itchy scalp?

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.