Topical Minoxidil causing side effects, what an I do?

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your experience. While minoxidil is generally well-tolerated, some individuals can experience systemic side effects, as you’ve described. It’s possible that your body is absorbing more minoxidil than expected, leading to these reactions.

Switching to a lower concentration of minoxidil or using it less frequently may help minimize systemic absorption while still providing some benefit. Alternatively, oral minoxidil at a carefully adjusted low dose could be another option, as it allows more controlled dosing and may reduce side effects. However, this requires close monitoring by a qualified physician.

I recommend consulting with your prescribing doctor or a hair restoration specialist to explore these options and determine the best course of action for you.

Best regards,
Dr. Marco Barusco

Constitutional symptoms from minoxidil are not well-documented however, given your history, your symptoms are likely to be associated with minoxidil. Unfortunately, if this is the case, any form of minoxidil will likely cause similar symptoms.
My recommendation is to do a DNA test, (i.e. buccal swab) to check for treatment sensitivity to be able to identify objectively treatment options that will help with your hair growth. This way, we will be able to streamline our management effectively without wasting time, money and minimising risk of side effects.

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. If you’re experiencing side effects from topical minoxidil, such as irritation or unwanted effects on your scalp or skin, considering alternative treatments like PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or exosome injections might be beneficial. PRP involves drawing a small amount of your blood, processing it to concentrate platelets, and then injecting it into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth naturally. It can help rejuvenate the scalp and mitigate some of the adverse effects associated with topical minoxidil. Similarly, exosome injections, which involve using stem cell-derived exosomes rich in growth factors, can also support hair growth and repair without the potential irritation of topical treatments. Both options aim to enhance hair follicle health and growth while potentially reducing side effects. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Hello,

It sounds like you are experiencing significant systemic side effects from topical minoxidil. While these side effects are not common, they can occur in some individuals. Here are a few recommendations:

Discontinue Use: If you strongly suspect that minoxidil is causing these side effects, it may be best to discontinue its use entirely. Consult your physician before making any changes to your treatment regimen.

Consult Your Dermatologist: Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist to discuss your symptoms and alternative treatments. They can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend other options for hair loss that may not cause these side effects.

Alternative Treatments: There are other treatments available for hair loss, including:

Finasteride (oral medication): This works by reducing the levels of a hormone that contributes to hair loss.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): This is a non-invasive treatment that can stimulate hair growth.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: This involves injections of your own platelets to stimulate hair growth.
Microneedling: This can be combined with other treatments to enhance their effectiveness.
Natural Supplements and Topicals: Some patients may benefit from biotin, saw palmetto, or other natural remedies.
Patch Testing: If you prefer to continue using minoxidil, your dermatologist may suggest trying a lower concentration or performing a patch test to see if it's the minoxidil itself or perhaps an ingredient in the formulation that's causing the issue.

Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications: Sometimes, improving overall health through diet, exercise, and stress management can positively impact hair growth and reduce the need for medications.

Remember, it is crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider to find the most suitable and safe treatment for your condition.

It sounds like you've experienced significant side effects that may be linked to minoxidil use, especially since your symptoms improved when you stopped. While it’s less common, some people are sensitive to topical minoxidil and may experience systemic effects even from topical application.
If you’re set on continuing hair loss treatment but want to avoid these side effects, here are a few options:
Reduce Frequency or Dosage: Some patients find that using a smaller amount or applying it every other day can reduce systemic absorption and side effects.
Switch to a Lower Concentration: If you’re using a 5% solution, switching to a 2% concentration might minimize side effects.
Explore Alternatives: Non-minoxidil-based treatments, such as topical serums with ingredients like rosemary oil or caffeine, may help support hair health without systemic effects. Additionally, treatments like microneedling can stimulate hair growth naturally.
Consider Oral Minoxidil: In lower doses, oral minoxidil is sometimes used with fewer side effects than topical forms, but this approach should be discussed with your physician to weigh risks and benefits.