Can overactive sebum glands reduce the effectiveness of Minoxidil/Rogaine?

Question

I believe that even if a person cleans their skin before they apply minoxidil, the oil produced after the fact can make it harder for Minoxidil to do its job (penetrating the dermal papilla). So the more oil a person produces, the less effective Minoxidil can/will be. Am I right or wrong?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to evaluate and go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Parsa Mohebi, MD, FISHRS · Answer

The
oil produced by the sebaceous glands have a protective mechanism and condition
the hair shafts.  If you feel minoxidil
is not reaching the scalp then rinse and massage your scalp with warm water
before proceeding with application.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

It's hard to say but it could be. Overactivity of the sebaceous glands is often associated with inflammation in the form of seborrheic dermatitis and other inflammatory changes in the upper hair follicle regions (in an area known as the isthmus and infundibulum). Studies have shown minoxidil is less effective in these situations.What's the proof?In 1993, Dr David Whiting performed an important study looking at the chances of regrowth associated with varying degrees of inflammation. In male balding, patients that had no significant inflammation in their biopsies experienced some degree of regrowth iin 77% of cases, versus 55% in cases with significant inflammation.REFERENCEWhiting DA. Diagnostic and predictive value of horizontal sections of scalp biopsy specimens in male pattern androgenetic alopecia. Whiting DA. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1993.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

You can clean shampoo before you apply minoxidil and that should be the best way to manage the sebum.

Can overactive sebum glands reduce the effectiveness of Minoxidil/Rogaine?

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