Scalp Irritation from Treating Hair Loss with 5% Rogaine (Minoxidil) Liquid Solution?

This question comes from a member of our [tag]hair loss[/tag] social community and discussion forums: 

I recently started to notice my [tag]hair loss[/tag] and decided I wanted to reverse the progressive thinning as early as possible. Because of this, I conducted some research and decided to start using 5% liquid [tag]Rogaine[/tag] ([tag]minoxidil[/tag]). However, after using the product for some time, I’m now noticing definite scalp irritation. Is this from the [tag]liquid minoxidil[/tag]? What can be done to stop this?

As I’m sure you’re aware, minoxidil (Rogaine) is one of two medications (the other being [tag]Propecia[/tag]/[tag]finasteride[/tag]) approved for treatment of [tag]genetic hair loss[/tag] by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Minoxidil is available in both 2% and 5% liquid and foam solutions, and when applied topically to the scalp, helps stabilize progressive thinning and [tag]regenerate miniaturized hair follicles[/tag].

Although the product is trusted, safe, and effective, it is associated with certain side effects. After years of recommending minoxidil to [tag]hair loss sufferers[/tag], [tag]hair restoration[/tag] physicians began to notice one side effect frequently associated with the 5% liquid minoxidil solution: scalp irritation. What’s more, this same irritation was not noticed (in the same frequency) in patients using the 5% foam minoxidil solution.

Because of this, these [tag]hair loss experts[/tag] began to research the difference between the foam and the liquid formula and noticed something interesting: the liquid product contained [tag]propylene glycol[/tag] – an agent frequently associated with skin dryness and irritation. Because of this, many physicians advised patients to switch from the liquid minoxidil solution to the foam solution and noted a decrease in the scalp irritation.

Knowing this, it likely that patients experiencing scalp irritation from the [tag]5% liquid minoxidil[/tag] solution should try switching to the [tag]5% foam minoxidil[/tag] solution. However, this change should first be evaluated and discussed with a trusted physician. Additionally, patients should remember that a long lapse from minoxidil could re-start the balding process and cause a new shedding phase before regrowth in seen on the new minoxidil regimen.

___________
Blake Bloxham – formerly “Future_HT_Doc”

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum

Follow our community on Twitter

Watch hair transplant videos on YouTube