Allergic Contact Dermatitis from Minoxidil
May 1995
in “
Contact Dermatitis
”
Studysummary This article reviews previous cases and reports of allergic contact dermatitis from minoxidil but does not provide new clinical findings.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The article discusses cases of allergic contact dermatitis caused by the use of topical minoxidil preparations, which are used to treat male-pattern baldness. The reactions were predominantly caused by sensitization to minoxidil, but also to propylene glycol. The article recommends that dermatologists patch test patients to determine whether minoxidil or the vehicle is responsible for the reaction. The article also notes that topical minoxidil preparations have generally been well tolerated, except for some local irritation from the vehicle, and that the continuous use of a topical minoxidil preparation on the scalp reduces increased hair loss in male-pattern baldness and sometimes leads to the formation of new hairs.
