Month: January 2023

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Minoxidil Side Effects?

Hello Dr., I have been using minoxidil lotion for two months now. I do not suffer from any systemic side effect as yet. BUT, every time I apply it I have noticed that I ,almost immediately, with in minutes experience a little bit of strain on the skin under my eyes. When I look in the mirror it appears that I have developed dark circles. With continuous use I notice fine lines and dryness on my face. Now to avoid this I have started applying the lotion in supine position while rubbing the tip of the dropper on my scalp. I stay in that position at least for next 20-30 minutes. This is to make sure not even a trace of medicine flows down on my face. But still I have the same sensation on my face. All these effect however disappear even if I discontinue the medicine even for two days. This has been a repeated experience. Any comments?!! Do other patients also complain about the same problem?

This is the first time I have heard anyone report this. I can not understand it unless the medication is actually landing on the skin of your face or around the eyes. There are reports of local skin reactions to minoxidil that ‘irritate’ the skin. Some of the medication can be absorbed through the skin and drop the blood pressure a little and this is a transient effect that does not last long. Maybe this medication is not worth the trouble it is causing you. Clearly if you stop it, it goes away. Is there are real benefit worth the problems you are experiencing?

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Minoxidil Ruined My Hair Texture, So I Switched to Saw Palmetto

Is saw palmetto a good enough option compared to minoxidil?? Minoxidil preparation comes with isopropyl alcohol base. Alcohol causes scalp dryness and that increases hair fall which nullifies the effect of minoxidil. I am using topical application containing saw palmetto in form of a hair oil..also saw palmetto capsules orally. Initially for about 2-3 months my hair texture improved, but now somehow hair fall is accelerated.

I’m just 22yrs old and i’m afraid at my present rate of hair loss i may become bald very shortly. Is saw palmetto of any help to me?? i switched over to it because minoxidil ruined my hair texture. please help !!!

I think that you have to read more on this blog and even visit our newhair.com site to learn what hair loss is about. Saw palmetto has no value whatsoever for treating hair loss. It will definitely allow you to complete the balding process if that remains your main baldness treatment.

There are people that claim saw palmetto is a worthwhile hair loss treatment, but you won’t find me amongst them. There has never been any good scientific study to prove the claims people make.

Even minoxidil isn’t the best treatment for a young man with early loss like you describe, because it doesn’t block the DHT. I implore you to see a competent doctor who will address your problem.


2013-04-06 10:42:11Minoxidil Ruined My Hair Texture, So I Switched to Saw Palmetto

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Minoxidil Response?

My situation is that I used minoxidil for 1.5 years, so imagine all that time I wasn’t a responder. Can it make my hair worse since I’m just applying alcohol all the time? I’m asking about my situation cause I have been on fin and min and my hair is worse.

If you used topical minoxidil, only 40% of men have the enzyme in their scalp to convert minoxidil to minoxidil sulfate, the active form of minoxidil; however, if you have taken it orally, 100% of men should get some response to the drug because the liver creates minoxidil sulfate, the active form of the drug. If you had no response to the oral, then you are not a minoxidil responder.

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Does Minoxidil remove the color of hair dye from hair?

A patient wrote: “Minoxidil does strip the hair color. I am on my second bottle of women’s Rogaine and I have noticed that it does remove the dye from the hair roots when applied along the part. My stylist has stopped coloring my hair because the Rogaine strips the color off.”

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Minoxidil Reborn?

I read about a compounded minoxidil solution called Formula 82M.

I have been using Minoxidil 5% for more than six years and I think I am losing the battle against baldness. Can the above solution give me much needed reinforcements?

Can you also please suggest any additives to minoxidil that can help in better hair growth?

Genetic hair loss has no cure. Topical minoxidil can help but there no scientific evidence that any additives or reformulations will help. Many compounding pharmacies and entrepreneurs will re-brand and add extra ingredients to promote a product. It works to generate interest and sales but it really has no clinical significance in overall improvement of growing hair. I always have states it is a buyer beware market. They may be no harm in trying different products other than the financial drain.

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Minoxidil put dark circles under my eyes

Hi doctor I am a 26 yo French guy who has been taking minoxidil & dutasteride for 6 years now. I am a special case because I have an identical twin who is not taking the minoxidil . I have developed hypertrichosis and dark circle from minoxidil . Does someone who develop hypertrichosis should get scalp result from the minoxidil? the dark circle and hypertrichosis under eye are 100% from the minoxidil because my twin doesn’t have those. Will it last if I keep taking the drugs? thanks a lot doctor

Stop the drug and the side effects should go away in time.


2020-12-23 08:56:44Minoxidil put dark circles under my eyes

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Minoxidil, Propecia and Frontal Hair Loss

Dear Dr. Rassman,
I am male, from Nebraska US. I’m suffering hair loss for about 4 years, as far I can see I think I lost hair on every region of my head… but basically I can see baldness on the front the most. I didn’t consult a dermatologist yet because I’ve been told that there is not alot that I can do to get my hair back. My questions are: Do you think is worth it to go to a dermatologist (I have a dandruff case also)? Since I have frontal hair loss, will a minoxidil treatment work for me?

Thank you

It is worthwhile to visit a dermatologist for your hair loss. He/she can decide which type of hair loss you have and possibly the cause for it. There are many reasons for hair loss besides just male pattern baldness. Minoxidil and Propecia will mostly likely help slow down your loss, if not stop it completely and in men, Propecia for stopping hair loss in the frontal areas is more effective than minoxidil.


2006-02-08 08:37:43Minoxidil, Propecia and Frontal Hair Loss