Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a medication originally developed to treat high blood pressure, but it also plays an important role in the treatment of hair loss. It is one of the few medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia Alopecia (hereditary hair loss) in men and women.

Mechanism of action

The exact mechanism of action of minoxidil in the treatment of hair loss is not fully understood. However, it is believed to dilate the blood vessels in the scalp, leading to improved blood flow and increased oxygen and nutrient delivery to the hair follicles. This improved supply may help to regenerate weakened hair follicles Hair follicles to revitalize, slow down or even reverse the hair loss process and promote hair growth.

Application forms

Minoxidil is available in various forms, including:

Topical solution : In concentrations of 2% and 5%, applied directly to the scalp.
Foam : A popular alternative to the solution, especially preferred by people with sensitive scalps.

Application and results

Minoxidil is applied directly to the affected areas of the scalp twice daily.
The first results may become visible after about three to six months of regular use.
Continued use is necessary to maintain the results achieved. Discontinuing minoxidil usually leads to the loss of the newly grown hair within a few months.

Side effects

Although minoxidil is generally well tolerated, some users may experience side effects such as:

Scalp irritations
Dryness and flaking of the scalp
Unwanted hair growth on the face or body if the medication is accidentally transferred to these areas
In rare cases, systemic effects such as palpitations may occur if the drug is absorbed through the skin

Important considerations

Minoxidil is particularly effective in younger people with recently started hair loss.
It is less effective in cases of advanced hair loss or complete baldness.
Consulting a dermatologist or a specialist in hair diseases is recommended to assess the suitability of minoxidil as a treatment option and to create an individually tailored treatment plan.