TLDR A woman's use of minoxidil for hair loss caused fluid buildup in her chest, which went away when she stopped using the product.
In 2019, a case was reported of a 49-year-old woman who developed an exudative eosinophilic pleural effusion, which is an accumulation of fluid with a high percentage of eosinophils in the pleural space, after using topical minoxidil for telogen effluvium, a type of hair loss. The patient did not have chronic kidney disease, which is commonly associated with pleural effusions due to systemic minoxidil use. Her symptoms included pleuritic chest pain and shortness of breath, and diagnostic tests confirmed the nature of the effusion. All other potential causes were ruled out through various tests. Upon cessation of minoxidil, the pleural effusion completely resolved within one month, and the patient remained symptom-free for 16 months thereafter. This case is significant as it is the first reported instance of pleural effusion associated with topical minoxidil use, a widely available over-the-counter medication for hair loss treatment. Healthcare providers should be aware of this potential rare side effect.
4 citations
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January 2017 in “Indian Dermatology Online Journal” A child used a hair growth lotion for hair loss, but it caused excessive hair growth on his face and neck instead.
July 2013 in “DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals)” Minoxidil can effectively treat patchy hair loss by stimulating hair growth.
4 citations
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March 1991 in “Dermatitis” 
24 citations
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February 1987 in “Drugs” Minoxidil promotes hair regrowth, but more research needed for effectiveness and response factors.
April 1985 in “Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery” A study conducted in 1985 with 30 patients evaluated the effects of 1% topical minoxidil on alopecia areata and alopecia totalis. The results showed a significant incidence of hair regrowth, with 16 patients achieving a cosmetically acceptable response. No side effects were reported. The study concluded that while topical minoxidil could induce new hair growth in cases of alopecia areata, it was less effective for more severe forms like alopecia universalis and totalis. Despite this, minoxidil was considered relatively non-toxic, easy to use, and free of systemic or local side effects compared to other treatments.
16 citations
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April 1984 in “Archives of Dermatology” Topical minoxidil can help hair regrowth in alopecia areata patients, but maintaining the growth after stopping treatment is inconsistent.
