Generalized Hypertrichosis Due to Topical Minoxidil

The document reports a case of a 42-year-old woman diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia who experienced generalized hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth) after using a 5% topical minoxidil solution (TMS) for two weeks. The patient applied the solution, which also contained 0.5% progesterone and 0.05% clobetasol, twice daily. She noticed new hair growth on her body that became darker and thicker, particularly on her forehead, cheeks, beard area, chest, lower back, arms, and legs. Hormonal tests showed no abnormalities. Six months after discontinuing TMS, her condition began to improve, but even after ten months, it had not returned to normal. The document discusses that hypertrichosis is a rare side effect of TMS, affecting between 0% and 5% of patients, and is more common in women, especially those over 50 years old or with pre-existing facial hair. The side effect is dose-dependent and more common with 5% TMS. The document concludes that before prescribing TMS, physicians should assess the risk of hypertrichosis, especially in middle-aged women with facial hair, and consider using a lower concentration of minoxidil or alternative therapies.