A Rare Case of Peripheral Edema Induced by Topical Minoxidil: A Case Report

May 2025 in “ Current Drug Safety ”

Hassan Alkhwildi, Sara Alsaffar, Carina Bethlehem

topical minoxidil peripheral edema vasodilatory mechanism fluid retention capillary hydrostatic pressure skin permeability Rogaine

TLDR Topical minoxidil can rarely cause swelling due to fluid retention.

A 17-year-old male developed peripheral edema after using topical minoxidil 5% for beard growth, highlighting a rare systemic side effect of the treatment. The edema appeared seven weeks into the treatment and resolved one to two weeks after discontinuation. This case underscores that while topical minoxidil is generally safe, its vasodilatory mechanism can lead to systemic effects like fluid retention and increased capillary hydrostatic pressure, influenced by factors such as application area, concentration, and individual skin permeability.

View this study on eurekaselect.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community (comment) providing facts on people talking nonsense about minoxidil and BP-medicaton in general

in Research/Science 17 upvotes 1 year ago

Minoxidil is used for hair loss and sometimes for high blood pressure, but it's outdated for the latter. For high blood pressure, it's combined with a beta blocker and diuretic to manage side effects.

community Minoxidil hairs not growing to full length

in Minoxidil 22 upvotes 1 week ago

New hair growth from minoxidil and finasteride is not reaching full length, possibly due to slow growth cycles. Users discuss dosing strategies for oral minoxidil to improve efficacy and minimize side effects, with advice against consuming topical minoxidil orally.

community Lowering dose of Oral Minoxidil?

in Minoxidil 108 upvotes 2 months ago

The user plans to lower their oral minoxidil dose from 5 mg to 2.5 mg to reduce side effects like puffiness and hypertrichosis, while also using finasteride and accutane. They are considering caffeine serums for puffiness and discussing dietary changes or switching to topical minoxidil to address bloating.

community Just me or has oral minoxidil rose in popularity over the past few years?

in Minoxidil 12 upvotes 1 year ago

Oral minoxidil has gained popularity as a hair loss treatment, with more online discussions and research showing it's safe in low doses. A viral New York Times article also contributed to its increased acceptance.

community New study shows minoxidil tropical solution 5% can cause eyesight problems.

in Research/Science 183 upvotes 6 months ago

Minoxidil 5% topical solution may cause eyesight problems, with some users experiencing blurred vision. The discussion also mentions finasteride's potential side effects, including erectile dysfunction, with varied personal experiences.

community Having androgen receptor density and sensitivity at wrong f*ing place

in Satire 7 upvotes 7 months ago

The conversation discusses hair loss treatments, focusing on the use of topical minoxidil, microneedling, finasteride, and dutasteride, while debating the role of testosterone and DHT in hair loss. It also touches on the potential liver health impacts of these treatments and the genetic sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens.

Related Research

2 / 2 results

research Compliance to Topical Minoxidil and Reasons for Discontinuation Among Patients With Androgenetic Alopecia

April 2023 in “Dermatology and therapy”

Most patients stop using topical minoxidil due to side effects.

research Investigation on the Effect of 7% Chamomile Extract on Cutaneous Side Effects of Minoxidil in Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

December 2019 in “Arak Medical University Journal”

Adding 7% chamomile extract to minoxidil reduces skin side effects in treating male hair loss.