Severe Hypertrichosis of the External Ear Canal During Minoxidil Therapy

August 1988 in “ Archives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery ”

Dean M. Toriumi, Raymond J. Konior, Robert E. Berktold

minoxidil hypertrichosis vasodilator hair follicles otitis externa Rogaine

Studysummary This paper reports a case of severe hypertrichosis in the external ear canal due to minoxidil use, leading to chronic otitis externa and hearing loss.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

Minoxidil, a potent vasodilator used for severe hypertension, frequently caused hypertrichosis, or excessive hair growth, in areas such as the forehead, face, neck, shoulders, arms, and legs. This side effect was attributed to increased blood flow to hair follicles. The document described a case where a patient experienced severe hypertrichosis in the external ear canal, leading to chronic otitis externa and hearing loss.

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research Topical Minoxidil in Early Male Pattern Baldness

138 citations , August 1985 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil promotes hair growth in male pattern baldness.

research Topical Minoxidil for Hair Regrowth

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In this study, 5% topical minoxidil was observed to promote hair regrowth in some patients with androgenic alopecia, while no regrowth was noted in patients with alopecia areata.

Minoxidil Stimulates Cutaneous Blood Flow in Human Balding Scalps: Pharmacodynamics Measured by Laser Doppler Velocimetry and Photopulse Plethysmography

research Minoxidil Stimulates Cutaneous Blood Flow in Human Balding Scalps: Pharmacodynamics Measured by Laser Doppler Velocimetry and Photopulse Plethysmography

137 citations , May 1984 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil increases blood flow in balding scalps, possibly reversing hair loss.

research Hypertrichosis Due to Minoxidil

45 citations , November 1979 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This report describes a case of hypertrichosis associated with minoxidil use and suggests that nearly all patients on this drug may experience this side effect.

$Long-Term Treatment of Refractory Hypertensive Patients With Minoxidil$

research Long-Term Treatment of Refractory Hypertensive Patients With Minoxidil

43 citations , May 1978 in “JAMA”

Minoxidil controls blood pressure but may cause kidney damage and needs diuretics to prevent swelling.

$Minoxidil Therapy in Refractory Hypertension: Analysis of 155 Patients$

research Minoxidil Therapy in Refractory Hypertension: Analysis of 155 Patients

26 citations , January 1978 in “Nephron”

Minoxidil lowers blood pressure effectively but may cause side effects.

research Minoxidil in Resistant Hypertension

102 citations , September 1977 in “The Lancet”

Minoxidil with propranolol and diuretics lowers blood pressure but causes fluid retention and hair growth.

research Minoxidil-Induced Hypertrichosis: Treatment with Calcium Thioglycolate Depilatory

26 citations , April 1977 in “PubMed”

This report notes that five women experiencing hypertrichosis as a side effect of minoxidil had successful hair removal using a calcium thioglycolate depilatory agent.

research The Use of Minoxidil in the Treatment of Severe Essential Hypertension: A Report on 100 Patients

18 citations , January 1976 in “Clinical Science”

This study found that minoxidil significantly reduced supine diastolic pressure in 94% of patients with severe essential hypertension within 4 weeks, but some patients experienced side effects such as increased hair growth and fatigue.