What can you do against itchy skin and pimples on the scalp
    9/8/2026

    From the encyclopedia
    Finasteride →

    Popular 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that lowers DHT, taken as a pill or used topically

    Minoxidil →

    Vasodilator used on the scalp and, at low doses, as a tablet

    Dutasteride →

    5-alpha reductase inhibitor that blocks both enzyme types, a stronger DHT blocker than finasteride

    At a glance
    In this question or advice post, the primary subjects mentioned are
    💊 Finasteride (oral) 1mg 2 years
    💊 Minoxidil (oral) 2.5mg
    💊 Dutasteride (oral) 0.5mg
    💧 Ketoconazole shampoo (topical) 2x weekly 1 year
    the tone is 😞 negative with unsatisfactory results.

    Other terms

    A user with hair loss issues is considering switching treatments to oral minoxidil and dutasteride due to unsatisfactory results with finasteride and is experiencing itchy scalp and pimples. Suggestions include seeing a dermatologist, using salicylic acid shampoo, and considering dietary changes.
    View this post in the Community →

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    5 / 5 results

      community DHT Harms Scalp Microbiome: DHT Itch is REAL

       413 upvotes 1 year ago
      Increased Malassezia and Cutibacterium in the scalp microbiome are linked to higher sebum production and inflammation in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Treatments include ciclopirox shampoo, benzoyl peroxide shampoo, clobetasol propionate, calcipotriol, minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride.

      community Still have itchy scalp after 6 months on fin + keto

       29 upvotes 4 months ago
      The user experiences an itchy scalp despite using finasteride and ketoconazole shampoo for hair loss. Suggestions include trying different shampoos, switching to dutasteride, and using topical treatments for inflammation.

      community Anyone on Dutasteride have reduced scalp oil?

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  13 upvotes 1 year ago
      Dutasteride may reduce scalp oil and itchiness more effectively than finasteride, with some users experiencing drier skin and improved hair thickness. Users report varying results, with some noticing benefits after switching from finasteride to dutasteride, while others use a combination of treatments including minoxidil.

      community 18 months Dut - Shed after shed without any gains

      in Update  115 upvotes 1 year ago
      Dutasteride caused persistent hair shedding and no improvement for 18 months, leading to a switch back to finasteride. The user also uses oral minoxidil and plans to focus on better scalp health.

    Related Research

    6 / 6 results

      research Primary cicatricial alopecia

      95 citations , November 2016 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”
      This article reviews primary cicatricial alopecias, focusing on lymphocytic forms such as chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, according to a classification by the North American Hair Research Society, and reports no new clinical results.

      research Oral Presentations

      July 2012 in “International Journal of Trichology”
      This article discusses various aspects of hair and scalp health, ancient philosophical perspectives on hair, and causes of hair disorders in children, without reporting new clinical results.

      research Androgenetic Alopecia

      1 citations , July 2018 in “Elsevier eBooks”
      This review covers androgenetic alopecia's epidemiology, pathogenesis, current management options, and research trends, concluding that no definitive cure exists despite extensive interest and ongoing genetic research efforts.