Diffuse Hypertrichosis During Treatment with 5% Topical Minoxidil

January 1997 in “ British Journal of Dermatology ”

A. M. Peluso, Cosimo Misciali, Colombina Vincenzi, Antonella Tosti

minoxidil androgenetic alopecia hypertrichosis topical minoxidil systemic absorption follicular apparatus Rogaine

TLDR 5% topical minoxidil can cause severe body hair growth, which disappears after stopping treatment.

The study reports on five women with androgenetic alopecia who developed severe hypertrichosis of the face and limbs after 2-3 months of treatment with 5% topical minoxidil. Minoxidil was discontinued and in all patients the hypertrichosis disappeared from the face and arms after 1-3 months, and from legs after 4-5 months. Systemic absorption of minoxidil, and a high sensitivity to minoxidil of the follicular apparatus in these areas, is hypothesized. The study suggests that 5% topical minoxidil treatment may induce diffuse hypertrichosis due to both systemic absorption of the drug and hypersensitivity of the hair follicle.

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Research cited in this study

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Most people using minoxidil for hair loss probably won't see significant improvement.

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community Comparison of options: topical vs medication

in Female 1 upvotes 7 months ago

A user diagnosed with AGA is seeking advice on hair loss treatments, comparing topical Minoxidil, Spironolactone, and Finasteride to oral medications and natural methods like dermastamping, PRP, and LED light. They are concerned about side effects and effectiveness, especially given their existing fatigue.

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Topical Finasteride doesn't directly reduce 5ar enzyme on scalp and has the same mechanism as oral, needing to go through the liver. Users debate the accuracy of this information and discuss various studies and experiences.

community 2025 Official beginner guide for “I’m losing my hair, what can I do?”

in General 813 upvotes 5 months ago

For hair loss, start with Finasteride, Minoxidil, Ketoconazole shampoo, and Microneedling. For severe cases, consider Dutasteride, oral Minoxidil, or hair transplants.

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in Minoxidil 92 upvotes 4 years ago

Hair loss treatments, specifically the use of oral minoxidil in combination with micro-needling. Oral minoxidil has been found to improve hair density in 90% of patients with a low side effect profile, but using 5mg per day can result in higher side effects including hypertrichosis and edema. Other treatments mentioned include finasteride and RU58841.

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Diffuse Hypertrichosis During Treatment with 5% Topical Minoxidil

Research cited in this study

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