Pigmented Contact Dermatitis from Topical Minoxidil 5%

April 2002 in “ Contact Dermatitis ”

Akiva Trattner, Matthias David

minoxidil androgenetic alopecia hyperpigmentation pigmented contact dermatitis patch test Rogaine

TLDR Minoxidil 5% caused skin discoloration in a man using it for hair loss.

A 57-year-old man with androgenetic alopecia was treated with topical minoxidil 5% for 2 years and developed hyperpigmentation on his waist and neck towards the end of the treatment. Patch tests with the European standard series and a textile dye and finishes series were negative, but a patch test with topical minoxidil 5% was positive. The patient was instructed to stop the treatment, but 10 months later, there was no improvement in the hyperpigmentation. This is the first report of pigmented contact dermatitis as a side-effect of topical minoxidil.

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Research cited in this study

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research Long-Term Efficacy of Topical Minoxidil in Male Pattern Baldness

41 citations, March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Topical minoxidil effectively treats male pattern baldness and prevents hair loss.

research Topical Minoxidil in Early Androgenetic Alopecia

44 citations, March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Using minoxidil on balding scalps can stimulate hair regrowth and increase blood flow. It's an effective treatment for early hair loss.

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