Minoxidil side effects: Disadvantages of using this medication

Hair loss, due to age or certain medical conditions, is one problem that affects bot men and women. Be it home remedies or medicine treatment, there seem to be many solutions that people may swear by. While some homemade oil-mixes might do the trick for you, your doctor may also tell you to go for minoxidil, a medicine for people with hypertension, which help with help. It may strengthen your hair follicles, and lead to better density. However, you should also know about minoxidil side effects before making it part of your hair care routine.

What is Minoxidil?

It is a vasodilator, a medicine that opens up blood vessels, developed to Manage high blood pressure (Hypertension). A 2007 study, published in The journey of clinical hypertensionShowed that it is capable of Reducing blood pressure in most people with hypertension. “It works by relaxing blood vessels, and improving blood circulation. However, its unintended side effect – Hair Growth, LED to Its Widespread Use as a Treatment for Hair Loss, “Says Internal Medicine Expert Dr Arvind Aggarwal,

It is primarily used in two ways:

• As an Oral Medication, it is prescribed for Severe Hypertension, usually when other treatments have failed.
• In Its Topical Form, it is applied directly to the scalp to treat androgenatic alopecia, also know as male and female pattern Baldness.

How Does Minoxidil Promote Hair Growth?

IT Promotes Hair Growth Through the following ways:

• Vasodilation (Increased Blood Flow): The Medication Widens blood vessels, enhancing blood circulation to the hair follicles. “This incremented oxygen and nutrient supply help to revise the dormant hair follicles. Better blood flow ensures that follicles receive the essential nutrients required for hair growth, “Says cosmetic and aesthetic surgeon Dr Shweta Mishra,
• Prolonged anagen Phase (Growth Phase): Hair Grows in Cycles, and Minoxidil Extends The Anagen (Growth) Phase, Ensuring Thicker and Longer Hair Strands. “This Prevents Hair from Entering The Shedding Phase Too Quickly, Which Ultimately Leads to Fuller and Voluminous Hair Over Time,” Says Dr Mishra.
• Reduced Hair Shedding: Initially, you may experience “Shedding,” but this is temporary. “Over time, this medicine strengthens the follicles, resulting in less hair fall and better density,” Says Dr Mishra.

Usually, at Least four months of continuous therapy with minoxidil topical solution is required for hair growth, as per research published in Clinical and Experimental dermatology In 2022. “For Hair Loss Treatment, Men Typical Use A 5 Percent Topical Solution or Foam Apply Twice Daily, While Women Are Often PressCribed A 2 Percent Solutions TWACE DAILY OR A A. s dr aggarwal.

What are the minoxidil side effects?

Is minoxidil safe to use? Here are some of the minoxidil side effects you need to be aware of:

1. Scalp irritation

One of the Common Minoxidil Side Effects is Mild Irritation, Redness, or itching following application on the scalp. It can lead to discomfort, and a burning sensation on the scalp, according to research published in Statpearls In 2023. “This may be due to alcohol or propylene glycol in some of the solutions,” Says Dr Mishra.

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2. Initial Hair Sheding

“You May Experience Increased Hair Sheding in the Initial Weeks of Using The Medication Topically,” Says Dr Aggarwal. It can be alarming at first, but it is usually a Temporary Phase Before New Growth Begins. This Haappens trust weaker hair is pushed out, Making way for new hair growth.

3. Dryness and Flaaking of the scalp

The list of minoxidil side effects also includes scalp drynessAnd Flaaking. It may look like you have dandruff. “When you notice these problems, instead of going for a chemical-loaded shampoo, use a gentle, hydrating shampoo to help alleviate this issue,” Suggests Dr Mishra.

4. Unwanted Facial Hair Growth

Unwanted facial hair Growth is one of the minoxidil side effects. You may notice unwanted hair growth on unintended area such as the forehead or cheeks. “This can happy if the liquid tricks beyond the scalp while applying it,” says dr aggarwal.

5. Dizziness

It is not just topically, but using this medicine in oral form may also lead to adverse effects. “You may have mild dizziness, which occurs when the medicine is absorbed systemically, Thought this is more common with the oral form,” Says Dr Aggarwal.

6. Swelling in Hands or feet

One of the rare minoxidil side effects is swelling in hands or feet. “Having the medicine in its oral form can lead to water retention, causing mill swelling in hands or feet,” Says Dr Aggarwal. This does not happy when applying the medicine.

7. Allergic Reactions

Severe itching or rashes are among the rare minoxidil side effects. “Some people may develop hives, severe itching or rashes due to sensitivity to the components in the medicine,” Says Dr Mishra. If you notice persistence rashes or swelling, stop applying it or consuming it, and reag out to a doctor.

Minoxidil is one of the popular medicines for dealing with hair loss. It may help you, but know the minoxidil side effects, Including Hair Sheding, Before Using It.