Generalized hypertrichosis after treatment with topical minoxidil

Abstract

Generalized hypertrichosis is a common side-effect of oral minoxidil treatment for hypertension. However, hypertrichosis is uncommon after treatment with topical minoxidil for alopecia, and normally only occurs in areas close to the site of application. A 16-year-old girl is presented who developed generalized hypertrichosis 3 months after applying topical minoxidil for treatment of diffuse alopecia in doses greater than that prescribed. Four months after discontinuing treatment, the abnormal hair gradually diminished and disappeared.

Direct Vasodilators and their Role in Hypertension Management: Minoxidil

“…Hypertrichosis disappears within a few weeks after discontinuation of the drug, and in some cases there is less hair than before the drug was started 40 . Generalized hair growth can also occur with application of topical minoxidil, which is available in both 2% and 5% solutions, but this generally requires higher doses than are currently recommended 41 . Hypertrichosis can be treated with conventional depilatory agents, although it is a time‐consuming and costly remedy.…”

Piggyback‐Acquired Hypertrichosis

“…The topical form reduces alopecia by increasing circulation and follicular DNA synthesis. Topical minoxidil results in localized hair growth, with only 0.5% to 5% of patients reporting generalized hypertrichosis . It is postulated that hypertrichosis results from systemic absorption combined with follicle hypersensitivity.…”

Minoxidil-induced hypertrichosis in a child with alopecia areata

“…It is usually localized to the head and neck; it may occasionally involve other body areas. [345] Severe affection by topical use, as in our case, is uncommonly reported. [6]…”