Minoxidil can it cause hair loss

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This hair-growth regimen claims to support healthy hair. Here's the science behind it. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

How minoxidil works Causes Can you stop shedding? Duration of hair loss Other side effects Seeking medical help Summary Minoxidil Rogaine is a popular product for people with thinning hair. How does minoxidil work?

What causes minoxidil shedding? Can you prevent minoxidil shedding? How long does minoxidil shedding last? Other minoxidil side effects. When to see a doctor about minoxidil and shedding. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Sara Perkins, MD. Medically reviewed by Lindsay Slowiczek, PharmD. Finasteride is a medication that can treat male pattern hair loss and enlarged prostate. Read on to find out how it works, any safety considerations…. Though common to experience some hair loss with age, home remedies and treatments can help.

In this article, learn about a range of home remedies for…. What is it? How does it work? Do doctors recommend it? How to use it Side effects Drug interactions Pros and cons FAQs Summary Topical minoxidil is a treatment for hair loss and hair loss-related conditions, such as alopecia. Share on Pinterest. What is minoxidil? How does minoxidil work? When may doctors recommend minoxidil? How to use minoxidil. Side effects of minoxidil. Minoxidil drug interactions.

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Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, PharmD. Depending on the formulation , the most common side effect of minoxidil is skin irritation at or near the application site. In some cases, minoxidil users can develop a skin rash or experience a mild burning feeling after using minoxidil spray or foam.

This can be a reaction to the minoxidil itself or a reaction to some of the substances commonly used in minoxidil formulas. Many minoxidil products contain propylene glycol, and alcohol, which can lead to skin rash and irritation when applied topically. Other, less common side effects of minoxidil include :.

These side effects are relatively uncommon and do not affect most minoxidil users. Increased hair loss, one of the most publicized side effects of minoxidil, is often the result of hair follicles rapidly moving through the hair growth cycle and shedding before an anagen phase. This is normal as it is part of the mechanism in how minoxidil works. In most cases, these side effects occur when too much minoxidil is applied at once, resulting in an overly high level of minoxidil being absorbed into the body.

These side effects include:. If you notice any of these side effects after taking minoxidil, the best course of action is to speak to your doctor as soon as possible. That said, the side effects of Rogaine are virtually identical to those of minoxidil. According to the FDA , the most common side effect of Rogaine is itching and other skin irritation on the treated area. However, Rogaine also contains alcohol, which means that you should only treat the affected area with it — and take special care to avoid getting it in your eyes or other sensitive skin areas.

Other, less common minoxidil side effects include acne, inflammation around the hair roots, facial hair growth, acne, swelling around the face and even increased hair loss, in some cases.