Minoxidil‐induced hypertrichosis in an 8‐month‐old infant

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

“…Herskovitz et al 32 reported a case of generalized hypertrichosis in a child using TMX for AA, albeit it was applied 10 times per day for 2 months. Gomaa et al 33 reported generalized hypertrichosis in an 8‐month‐old infant with no other systemic side effect after misusing 5% TMX. Hypotheses on the pathogenesis of the diffuse hypertrichosis reaction include high sensitivity of the follicular apparatus to the medication and systemic absorption 15,32,34 …”

“…Minoxidil systemic absorption has been proposed to be minimal with correct prescribed topical therapy, in which <2% of the applied dose is absorbed 33 . Absorption varies among individuals and surface area, suggesting that TMX might reach high plasma concentrations, especially in children 15 .…”

“…Georgala et al 34 reported cardiovascular side effects in three pediatric patients after the application of minoxidil twice daily. Therefore, precaution should be taken when prescribing TMX to children, including the need to properly educate caregivers about its administration 33 . As such, lower doses as 2% TMX may be preferred in pediatric patients 35 …”

“…31 15,32,34 Minoxidil systemic absorption has been proposed to be minimal with correct prescribed topical therapy, in which <2% of the applied dose is absorbed. 33 Absorption varies among individuals and surface area, suggesting that TMX might reach high plasma concentrations, especially in children. 15 Georgala et al 34 reported cardiovascular side effects in three pediatric patients after the application of minoxidil twice daily.…”

“…Therefore, precaution should be taken when prescribing TMX to children, including the need to properly educate caregivers about its administration. 33 As such, lower doses as 2% TMX may be preferred in pediatric patients. 35 Life-threatening adverse effects are unlikely, even with OMX.…”