Contact Dermatitis in Reaction to 2% Topical Minoxidil Solution

    Caroline Wilson, Valerie Walkden, Sheila Powell, Stephanie L. Shaw, John E. Wilkinson, Rodney P.R. Dawber
    Image of study
    TLDR Minoxidil solution can cause skin irritation and allergies in some users.
    The article discusses the incidence of cutaneous side effects in patients using topical minoxidil solution for hair loss treatment. The study involved 161 patients with common baldness, both men and women, who were entered into double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of topical minoxidil 2% solution. Of the 161 patients, 12 (7.5%) had irritant dermatitis sufficient to require discontinuation of treatment and 6 (3.7%) had allergic contact dermatitis. The results indicate that cutaneous reactions to topical minoxidil solution are an important side effect, and the incidence is considerably more common than that quoted on the data sheet for minoxidil solution in the United Kingdom. The article also discusses the importance of the vehicle in which minoxidil is tested and suggests that the tissue penetration gained with organic bases is important not only for demonstrating contact sensitivity but also for producing adequate tissue levels for an effect on the hair follicle.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    3 / 3 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Went from almost balding to some this!

      in Progress Pictures  498 upvotes 11 months ago
      A user successfully regrew hair after nearly going bald by using oral finasteride, topical minoxidil, plasma injections, and mesotherapy over 9 months. They plan to try derma rolling and have an alarm set for taking medication, noting increased sexual drive as a side effect.

      community Homemade topical spironolactone

      in Research/Science  25 upvotes 2 years ago
      The potential effectiveness of homemade topical spironolactone in treating hair loss, with studies suggesting it is more effective than finasteride and even minoxidil when used as monotherapy. The conversation also mentions that other anti-androgens are being developed which may soon hit the market.

      community Why is everyone not directly advised Dutasteride?

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  165 upvotes 2 months ago
      Dutasteride is less commonly prescribed for hair loss because it is not FDA-approved for this purpose, unlike finasteride, which is more accessible and preferred due to fewer side effects. Dutasteride may be more effective in reducing DHT but has a longer half-life and potentially more significant side effects.

      community Androgenetic alopecia is a skin disease: DHT-mediated skin disorders

      in Research/Science  62 upvotes 1 year ago
      Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) impacts various skin conditions, including Androgenetic alopecia and seborrheic dermatitis, by causing overactivity in sebaceous glands. Topical medications Tacrolimus and Clobetasol can reduce these inflammatory conditions, and treatments like RU58841, Minoxidil, and Finasteride may also be beneficial.

      community What is worth dissolving in topical minoxidil solution?

      in Treatment  3 upvotes 3 months ago
      Switching from minoxidil foam to topical solution and considering adding caffeine, melatonin, or cetirizine. Currently using 2.5mg oral minoxidil and 1mg oral finasteride, planning to ask for 0.5mg oral dutasteride and 5mg oral minoxidil.

    Related Research

    5 / 5 results