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

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Finasteride can not cause a dry itchy scalp. If you have a dry, itchy scalp you should use a good conditioner after shampooing your hair

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Dear Boston,Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Although finasteride has not been shown to cause dry, itchy scalp, it is always possible. Minoxidil can also cause this problem, if you have recently started it. For patients with dry, itching scalp, I recommend that patients start treatment for serborrheic dermatitis, such as a zinc-containing shampoo. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
  
Best,
  
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS
  
Harvard educated plastic surgeon
  
Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018
  
RealSelf100
  
America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 – 2018
  
BeautyAdvisor Top Contributor

Can finasteride cause dry, itchy scalp?

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