Skin irritation using minoxidil ??

Question

Have been using minoxdil for 8 weeks and the first 7 weeks, no side effects. During my 8th week, my ears are red and itchy. My back neck and my scalp are very itchy. Are these side effects of using minoxidil? Using 1ml liquid of minosidil in the morning and 1ml at night? is it the right dosage? Should i stop using it becuase of the side effects?

Amir Yazdan, MD · Answer

Minoxidil liquid generally has a higher alcohol concentration than the foam.  It is more drying and irritating to the scalp in some patients.  I would recommend switching to the foam version and if that continues to cause irritation, then try the application once per day.For my patients I have a lab formulate my own formulation of 5% minoxidil which has a proprietary blend of oils which helps with the irritation and scalp dryness.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello, 
Minoxidil is effective in protecting the non-transplanted hairs by keeping them in anagen phase for longer.  Patients often times need a blueprint for maintaining native hairs so that future procedures are not necessary.  Transplanted hairs have been reported to grow faster with minoxidil.  Evidence has been reported by several studies with limited numbers including at a Consensus Report at the 9th Annual Meeting in 2002.  The main downside of minoxidil is irritation which is often mitigated by the use of foam.
Best,
 Dr. Anil Shah

Baubac Hayatdavoudi, MD · Answer

This is most likely due to the propylene glycol that is used to mix in your minoxidil.  Switch to the foam version.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

You may have developed a skin allergy to minoxidil, not an uncommon known side effect. Speak with your doctor about either changing the form of minoxidil or stopping it

Michael Meshkin, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

If you have redness and itching after you user minoxidil for your #hairloss that means you are allergic to the product. You need to stop using it.

Skin irritation using minoxidil ??

Answers (5)