Is long-term Minoxidil use safe for male pattern baldness?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am suffering from male pattern baldness along with dandruff. Because of dandruff, I keep on itching my scalp. I consulted a doctor, and she recommended me to use Betamethasone dipropionate and Zinc sulfate lotion along with an Adgain capsule and a mild medicated shampoo. I used these products for a period of three months. Initially, I was very happy with its response. As my hair seemed perfect I quit the product for six months. Once I quit the product, again I had hair fall. Now, for one month I am using Minoxidil and have the same feeling that once I stop this product again I will have the same problem. Now, I would like to know, is it fine to use Betamethasone dipropionate and Zinc sulfate lotion for some time to regain the lost hair and then continue with Minoxidil? Can I start using Minoxidil continuously? Please suggest to me, if any other alternative is present. Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Hi,

I am glad you chose icliniq for your medical-related queries.

I understand your concern and will try to help you with it.

As far as Betamethasone dipropionate and Zinc sulphate lotion is concerned, it is mainly given for dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis and hair fall due to it. It has no effect on androgenetic hair loss. Since, you had dandruff this lotion would have helped to reduce hair fall because of it. Minoxidil is approved for androgenetic alopecia. It should be used in 5% concentration. During the initial part of therapy with Minoxidil, patients might interpret increased hair shedding. But it is temporary, and it is due to new hair growth that pushes telogen hair (shedding of hair during the resting phase of hair follicle) out of hair follicle. In addition to Minoxidil I would also suggest you take a tablet of Finasteride 1 milligrams once daily.

Tablet Finasteride is also an approved remedy for androgenetic alopecia, and it slows down the further progression of hair loss and thinning by inhibiting an enzyme 5 alpha-reductase present in hair follicles. This enzyme is mainly responsible for androgenetic alopecia. It converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT causes thinning and hair fall in androgenetic alopecia. Together tablet Minoxidil and tablet Finasteride would serve to arrest further progression and also reverse early hair loss and thinning. The main aim is to preserve existing hair. Therefore, earlier the therapy is initiated and continued for the long term, the better are the results.

For dandruff, you may use Betamethasone lotion once daily at night for two weeks and then discontinue it. Betamethasone for dandruff should not be used regularly and for the long term because it is a potent steroid and can have side effects. Along with this, I would suggest you use antidandruff shampoo namely Triatop shampoo. You can continue with this shampoo for a long duration. My suggestion is, to use Betamethasone dipropionate lotion once every night for 2 weeks only along with an antidandruff shampoo for dandruff. For androgenetic alopecia, I would suggest you start Minoxidil 5%, twice daily, to be used on the skin of the scalp. In addition, I would like you to start the tablet Finasteride (Finax) 1 mg.

Thank you for consulting me.

You can always reach me at icliniq.com.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read and understand your concern.

Use Betamethasone dipropionate lotion for two weeks. Then, use Minoxidil just once daily in the morning. Once you are done with Betamethasone dipropionate, you may use Minoxidil twice daily. Start with tablet Finax 1 milligrams. Tablet Finasteride is ideally to be taken for the rest of your life. Our telemarketing platform also offers the availability of prescription pills for male pattern baldness. Please refer for further queries

Looking forward to your response in order to help you.

Thank you.