Warning over common hair loss remedy used by millions after woman starts growing a BEARD

The Sun

2 days ago

A WARNING has been issued over popular hair growth treatment minoxidil after a woman using it grew a beard.
Doctors reported the 28-year-old using the treatment in the form of a spray to help her hair loss caused by alopecia.
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In the UK, approximately 100,000 people are currently affected by alopecia, and it's estimated millions of people worldwide use minoxidil for hair regrowth.
Patients who use minoxidil as a spray or foam apply the treatment to the scalp and leave it to be absorbed.
It then works by stimulating blood flow to the hair beneath the area of application.
But, the unnamed woman was said to have worn a wig during the day and a cap at night, which caused the drug to be absorbed at much higher levels in her blood.
It then travelled elsewhere in her body, causing uncontrollable hair growth on her face, arms and legs.
The doctors writing the report say the millions of people who take the hair loss drug should be aware of the risks of wearing tight caps while taking it.
They wrote: "Exceeding this dose does not improve efficacy but significantly increases the risk of systemic absorption and adverse effects."
The woman also had mild anaemia and vitamin D deficiency, both of which can deprive hair follicles of oxygen and cause hair loss.
But she had no other health issues.
Alongside five per cent minoxidil spray twice a day for two months, she took vitamin D and zinc supplements.
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She had also done three monthly sessions of LED therapy and platelet-rich plasma injections - a treatment option that uses a patient's own blood to promote healing in damaged tissues.
After just two months of using minoxidil treatment, the woman returned to the doctors with increased hair growth on her face, arms and legs.
The doctors said wearing a wig during the day and a tight cap at night after applying minoxidil left her scalp "constantly occluded, day and night".
This meant her scalp was constricted and her hair follicles became blocked, leading to higher absorption of the hair treatment.
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The doctors said "systemic absorption" of the drug occurred, which led to a higher than safe dose.
They wrote: "Minoxidil is an effective treatment but can occasionally lead to hypertrichosis, especially when applied in high concentrations or over large areas of the body.
"This case illustrates the critical need for precise patient instruction on the correct application of topical therapies to prevent adverse systemic effects such as hypertrichosis."
The woman stopped taking minoxidil and opted to have laser hair removal to remove the hair on her face.
She continued with other hair treatments.
What is minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a medication used to treat hair loss, primarily for male and female pattern baldness.
It works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth and potentially slowing further hair loss.
The treatment is typically applied topically to the affected areas of the scalp, and may take several months of consistent use for the patient to see results.
Some potential side effects include unwanted hair growth in other areas, such as the face, and scalp irritation.
It's important to use minoxidil as directed and to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or experience adverse effects.
Minoxidil is generally considered safe for long-term use, but it's crucial to continue using it to maintain the regrown hair.
It's available both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription, depending on the specific form and concentration.
Topical minoxidil, often used for hair regrowth, is available OTC.
Oral minoxidil, however, is a prescription-only medication.