Minoxidil topical and Itching: What Users Say

• Opt...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 27, 2019

Minoxidil topical for Alopecia "Always had very fine, fair hair, started to thin in late thirties, became quite noticeable in early sixties. Doctor suggested Rogaine for women, once a day foam. Within 3 months had noticeable improvement, new fine hair covered bare spot in front. No side effects, no itching. Good product and reasonable cost."

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2020

For Alopecia "Was using the liquid minoxidil years ago. Burned my scalp, caused itching, burning. Some growth. Later, in my late 50s, bought the minoxidil foam for women. Again, it caused itching, burning, scabs. Worst of all, I lost all my own hair (huge bald spots) in only the areas that I used the product. My follicles were damaged, and my hair never grew back. So many regrets. I would not recommend it to anyone. When I reported my experience to Johnson and Johnson, they downplayed my experience because 'no one has ever complained of those experiences before.' Really?"

• old...
• June 2, 2017

Minoxidil topical for Alopecia "It is effective - I noticed less hair in the shower. But I had to stop because it makes my head itch, and I end up losing hair because either I am scratching or brushing. I must be sensitive to one of the chemicals. I had the same problem with the 2% solution. I have to look for another way to keep my hair - I envy those who can tolerate. :("

• Sum...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2018

Minoxidil topical for Alopecia "I had used for 2 weeks before visiting the dermatologist. I had horrible side effects - itching, dermatitis... my scalp was burning, drained. So bad. My derm stopped it right away. Now I'm on spironolactone for over 2 weeks. Not much difference yet... hope it's working."

• Doe...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 3, 2023

For Alopecia "I was not able to stay on it long enough to benefit due to sudden collagen loss resulting in drastic wrinkles and soft, saggy skin. I took it for 6 months, first topical, but that caused a rash/burning/itching, so they prescribed oral. I noticed the incredible change in skin elasticity around a month or two after starting the topical, and it got bad fast - then I started the oral. My 20-year-old skin may have recovered, but my 40-year-old skin, I don't see it happening. There's a massive outcry against anyone mentioning this online in forums, etc., and I get it, it makes your hair grow, so you don't want to hear it, but I'd rather lose hair than age 10 years in 6 months. Who knows how bad it would get if I stayed on it? There are many, many studies going back to the 80's proving that it negatively affects collagen, so it's not imagined by any scope of the imagination. I've always had thinner skin to begin with, so I think I saw the effects more than most."

• Ove...
• November 12, 2020

For Alopecia "I am using this for thinning hair. I got side effects of severe hives, severe facial edema, and pustular dermatitis of the scalp. It's 10 days since onset, and symptoms are slowly going away. Hives are tiny fluid-filled bumps that itch. The doctor prescribed a steroid for the swelling. The steroid meds may have helped somewhat, but my face, especially around the eyes, is still swollen. The scalp cleared fastest. The first 3 days were horrible. The entire contact site was sore, swollen, oozed, and formed a thick layer. The swelling literally traveled down my face, starting at my hairline. Again, stalling out around my eyes. Benadryl and ice application help with the itching. Hives are central to my hands (front and back), forearms, face, and ears. But it appears to be spreading to my neck. I was impressed with the results after 6 months of use, so I decided to use a little bit more, about half a dropper. After 3 weeks of increase, the above happened. Going to a dermatologist next week to see if there is anything else I can do to speed up the healing process."

• Jim...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 22, 2023

For Alopecia "Started using minoxidil, one dose per day, in June. I am a 70-year-old male. Within three months, I had good results over the entire top of my head, pretty amazing, really. Now, after about 6 or 7 months (Dec/Jan), I have started getting itching, and dandruff has become pronounced and irritating. I am going to try reducing the application to maybe every other day or two. I hope to see if the itching reduces but still retains the hair. I came to this site to see if anyone else reported the same issue as I am having and if a 'maintenance' dose can be reduced but still be effective."

• Yas...
• January 11, 2019

For Alopecia "I've been using Minoxidil 5% for 2 weeks, and I can see that hair got worse and lost more than ever. My scalp becomes crazy itchy! I do not recommend it at all!"