TLDR A woman developed a scalp condition from using minoxidil, which improved with a different treatment but left scarring.
A 77-year-old woman with type II diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease developed erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS) after using a 5% minoxidil solution for female-type androgenetic alopecia. The condition, which began as itchy, scaly skin changes and progressed to pustules and erosions, did not respond to oral and topical antibiotics or antifungals. No bacterial or fungal growth was found in cultures, and patch testing for minoxidil did not show any reactions. Histologic examination supported the diagnosis of EPDS. The patient's condition improved markedly after an eight-week treatment with topical 0.05% clobetasol propionate foam, although she was left with residual scarring alopecia. This case is notable as EPDS from topical minoxidil has not been previously reported in the literature, and the alcoholic solution of minoxidil may have been the triggering factor.
16 citations,
January 2007 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” A man had an allergic reaction to minoxidil, which stopped after he discontinued use and started corticosteroids.
49 citations,
January 2005 in “Dermatology” Systemic retinoids may effectively treat erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp.
187 citations,
May 1979 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Topical steroids can manage chronic scalp pustules in elderly women.
47 citations,
December 2020 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” The document concludes that understanding and treating hair loss requires recognizing its various types and using appropriate diagnostic tools and treatments.
53 citations,
February 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” The conclusion is that high-potency steroids or tacrolimus are effective treatments for erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp.
May 2013 in “Reactions Weekly” Using minoxidil can cause severe skin reactions in some people.
4 citations,
January 2023 in “Frontiers in Medicine” Zinc is important for skin health, and supplements can help treat various skin and hair disorders, but more research is needed for conditions like psoriasis and vitiligo.
13 citations,
June 2020 in “International Journal of Dermatology” A rare scalp condition mainly in older women can be treated with various alternatives to steroids, which may have fewer side effects.
