TLDR A woman had an allergic skin reaction to a hair loss treatment containing canrenone.
In 2007, a case study reported the first known instance of allergic contact dermatitis caused by canrenone, an antiandrogenic derivative of spironolactone. A 38-year-old woman developed an eczematous reaction on her face and scalp after using a topical treatment containing canrenone for androgenic alopecia. Upon cessation of the treatment, her skin condition improved. Patch tests were conducted, which returned positive results for the alopecia treatment and for canrenone at concentrations of 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2%. Ten control subjects tested negative for canrenone. This case is significant as it highlights a potential adverse effect of canrenone, which is rarely used nowadays, and suggests that even low concentrations such as 0.1% can cause allergic reactions.
1 citations,
October 2013 in “Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas” Customized medications made through compounding can be beneficial for various skin conditions but require careful regulation and collaboration between doctors and pharmacists.
November 2020 in “Elsevier eBooks” Antiandrogens and androgen inhibitors like spironolactone, finasteride, and dutasteride can treat hair loss and skin conditions, but they have risks and side effects, including potential harm to pregnant women and risks of cancer and heart issues. Herbal remedies also have antiandrogenic effects but lack safety validation.
19 citations,
January 1990 in “Springer eBooks” 
9 citations,
January 1997 in “Gynecological Endocrinology” The document concludes that treating androgen excess needs patience, managing expectations is important, and many drugs used are not officially approved, suggesting cosmetic options for mild cases.
52 citations,
June 1999 in “Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America” Antiandrogen treatments combined with oral contraceptives can help manage hair growth and hair loss in women with PCOS.
