Infantile generalized hypertrichosis caused by topical minoxidil

Abstract

Rare cases of hypertrichosis have been associated with topically applied minoxidil. We present the first reported case in the Brazilian literature of generalized hypertrichosis affecting a 5-year-old child, following use of minoxidil 5%, 20 drops a day, for hair loss. The laboratory investigation excluded hyperandrogenism and thyroid dysfunction. Topical minoxidil should be used with caution in children.

Topical and oral minoxidil for hair disorders in pediatric patients: What do we know so far?

“…Possible mechanisms involve arterial vasodilatation, improvement of hair follicles DNA synthesis, agonist effects on ATP-sensitive potassium channels, and increased anagen phase. 3 3.1 | Topical minoxidil…”

“…The exact mechanism by which minoxidil promotes hair growth is still not fully understood. Possible mechanisms involve arterial vasodilatation, improvement of hair follicles DNA synthesis, agonist effects on ATP‐sensitive potassium channels, and increased anagen phase 3 …”

“…1,2 Minoxidil topical use was approved by the FDA for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in men in 1988 and women in 1991. 3,4 In dermatology, topical minoxidil (TMX) has been used off-label for several types of alopecia, including telogen effluvium, alopecia areata (AA), eyebrow hypotrichosis, hair shaft disorders, chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA), traction alopecia (TA), and scarring alopecias. 5,6 TMX is not FDA-approved in patients under 18 years old and there are no guidelines for its pediatric use.…”

“…Hypertrichosis, a common adverse event, led to the development of a topical formulation for promoting hair regrowth 1,2 . Minoxidil topical use was approved by the FDA for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in men in 1988 and women in 1991 3,4 . In dermatology, topical minoxidil (TMX) has been used off‐label for several types of alopecia, including telogen effluvium, alopecia areata (AA), eyebrow hypotrichosis, hair shaft disorders, chemotherapy‐induced alopecia (CIA), traction alopecia (TA), and scarring alopecias 5,6 .…”

Caffeine and Its Pharmacological Benefits in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review

“…Minoxidil is one of only 2 drugs in use worldwide for the treatment of hair loss, the other being finasteride [64]. However, topical minoxidil solution has been associated with adverse effects [92], including contact dermatitis [93] and hypertrichosis [94, 95]. On the other hand, caffeine is the most studied natural ingredient with the potential to be a topical multibenefit solution to hair loss and is not known to show any undesired effects in vivo [39].…”