Secondary Cutis Verticis Gyrata Induced by Long-Term Use of High-Dose Topical Minoxidil

August 2024 in “ Skin Appendage Disorders ”

Juste Baksanskaite, Natalia Caballero Uribe, Ralph M. Trüeb

Cutis Verticis Gyrata topical minoxidil male androgenetic alopecia insulin-like growth factor IGF-1 soft tissue hypertrophy hypertrichosis CVG Rogaine male pattern baldness soft tissue growth excessive hair growth

TLDR Long-term use of high-dose topical minoxidil can cause thickened, ridged scalp.

This case report describes a patient who developed secondary Cutis Verticis Gyrata (CVG) after long-term use of high-dose topical minoxidil for male androgenetic alopecia. CVG is characterized by a thickened, cerebriform scalp and is often associated with conditions like acromegaly, which involves excessive production of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). Minoxidil can enhance IGF-1's mitogenic effects, leading to soft tissue hypertrophy and hypertrichosis. This is the first documented instance of CVG resulting from topical minoxidil use, highlighting a potential side effect of this common hair loss treatment.

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