Infantile Generalized Hypertrichosis Caused by Topical Minoxidil

    February 2016 in “ Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia
    Greice Rampon, Caroline Schwartz Henkin, Paulo Ricardo Martins Souza, Hiram Larangeira de Almeida
    Image of study
    TLDR Topical minoxidil can cause excessive hair growth in children, so use it carefully.
    In 2016, a case report from Brazil documented the first instance of generalized hypertrichosis in a 5-year-old girl following the use of topical minoxidil 5% (20 drops a day) for hair loss. The child developed substantial hair growth on her back, face, and limbs, and her eyelashes became longer after two months of treatment. Laboratory tests ruled out hyperandrogenism and thyroid dysfunction. The report highlighted that while minoxidil is an FDA-approved treatment for androgenetic alopecia, its mechanism of action is not fully understood, and it is known to cause hypertrichosis more frequently in women than men. The case suggested that systemic absorption of minoxidil might vary among individuals, and children could be more susceptible to its systemic effects due to their lower body weight and greater body surface area relative to weight. The authors concluded that caution should be exercised when using topical minoxidil in children.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    8 / 8 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community New 2025 study: high dose oral minoxidil (up to 10mg)

      in Research/Science  80 upvotes 2 weeks ago
      High-dose oral minoxidil (>5 mg/day) can increase hair density in some men with androgenetic alopecia, but side effects like extra body hair and heart issues are common. Gradual dose increase is advised, but adverse effects may lead to discontinuation or dose adjustments.

      community Is this Better Than Topical Minoxidil? Topical Diazoxide

      in Research/Science  6 upvotes 5 months ago
      Topical diazoxide may be a promising hair regrowth treatment, especially for those who don't respond to minoxidil, as it activates potassium channels without needing sulfation. It appears safe for topical use, avoiding systemic effects seen in oral use.

      community Comparison of options: topical vs medication

      in Female  1 upvotes 1 year 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.

    Related Research

    7 / 7 results