Minoxidil-induced hypertrichosis in a child with alopecia areata
January 2017
in “Indian Dermatology Online Journal”
TLDR A child used a hair growth lotion for hair loss, but it caused excessive hair growth on his face and neck instead.
In 2016, a case was reported of a 3-year-old male child who developed severe hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth) after using 5% minoxidil lotion for alopecia areata (hair loss). The parents applied the lotion twice daily for over 2 months without any dermatological consultation, using it like ordinary hair oil. The child's hair loss did not significantly improve, but he developed hypertrichosis on his forehead, cheek, and neck. No other side effects were noticed. Minoxidil, originally an antihypertensive drug, is used for alopecia and affects hair growth through various mechanisms. However, its efficacy in alopecia areata has not been definitively proven. The report suggested that due to the higher chances of adverse effects, the use of topical minoxidil should be discouraged in children. If necessary, a lower concentration (2%) in gel-based formulation should be used due to relative safety. The report also recommended restricting over-the-counter sales of minoxidil.
View this study on journals.lww.com →
Cited in this study
research Minoxidil induced hypertrichosis in children
Minoxidil caused unwanted hair growth in a child, but stopped after stopping treatment.
research Diffuse hypertrichosis during treatment with 5% topical minoxidil
research Generalized hypertrichosis after treatment with topical minoxidil
Too much topical minoxidil can cause excessive hair growth, but stopping treatment reverses it.
research Hypertrichosis and Congenital Anomalies Associated With Maternal Use of Minoxidil
Minoxidil use during pregnancy can cause excessive hair growth and multiple birth defects in the baby.
Related
research Ethnopharmacological Review of Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Alopecia
Various medicinal plants like Polygonum multiflorum, Red ginseng extract, and Zizyphus jujuba can potentially treat hair loss, offering benefits like low cost and multiple ways of working. Other effective natural substances include Pygeum africanum, Seneroa, Urtica dioica, and more.
research Baricitinib Results in Eyebrow and Eyelash Growth in Patients With Alopecia Areata Who Do Not Achieve 20% or Less Scalp Hair Loss
Baricitinib helps grow eyebrows and eyelashes in severe alopecia areata patients.
research Diseases of the Hair
Hair disorders include hair loss, excessive hair growth, and ingrown hairs, with various treatments available depending on the cause.
research Disorders of Hair
The document's conclusion cannot be provided because the document is not readable or understandable.
research Disorders of Hair
The document's conclusion cannot be provided because the document is not readable or understandable.
research Ambiguous alopecia in a 36-year-old woman
The woman has unexplained hair loss and it's unclear what her condition is or how to treat it.
research Topical Minoxidil
Minoxidil promotes hair regrowth, but more research needed for effectiveness and response factors.