August 31 2005, 3:21 pm PT | Posted in: Drugs
Hello Dr., I have been using minoxidil lotion for two months now. I do not suffer from any systemic side effect as yet. BUT, every time I apply it I have noticed that I ,almost immediately, with in minutes experience a little bit of strain on the skin under my eyes. When I look in the mirror it appears that I have developed dark circles. With continuous use I notice fine lines and dryness on my face. Now to avoid this I have started applying the lotion in supine position while rubbing the tip of the dropper on my scalp. I stay in that position at least for next 20-30 minutes. This is to make sure not even a trace of medicine flows down on my face. But still I have the same sensation on my face. All these effect however disappear even if I discontinue the medicine even for two days. This has been a repeated experience. Any comments?!! Do other patients also complain about the same problem?
This is the first time I have heard anyone report this. I can not understand it unless the medication is actually landing on the skin of your face or around the eyes. There are reports of local skin reactions to minoxidil that ‘irritate’ the skin. Some of the medication can be absorbed through the skin and drop the blood pressure a little and this is a transient effect that does not last long. Maybe this medication is not worth the trouble it is causing you. Clearly if you stop it, it goes away. Is there are real benefit worth the problems you are experiencing?
I also used Minoxidil lotiun of two months. I also complain about the same problem
I have suffered exactly the same reaction, twice I stopped, twice it started again… I don’t know what to try next!
I had the same problems with this stuff. It gave me fine lines and dark rings around my eyes. It also gave mt skin a rough texture, i stopped usibg it over a year ago but I fear some of these affects are permanant.
I have had this exact same problem. It seems to cause dark circles under the eyes.
I had the same problem with my skin, it also enlarged my pores and made me look a mess! I would advise people to avoid this stuff!
I used this stuff for a year and only now the swelling on my face has gone down can I see the damage it has done. The pores on my upper eyelids cheeks temple regions and forehead are all enlarged. The surface of the skin in these areas is rough and bumpy and looks like a 40 a day smokers! My complexion was fine before I used Regaine and I only applyed it to the scalp. I used only one pump (which is half the recomended amount) but it did a lot of damage. I wish I could sue them!
I was on minoxidil for a while but stopped when i relised how enlarged my eyelids had become. My eyes were bloodshot and the skin around my eyes has been left wrinkly and lose. I also was carefull not to allow any of the product to fall on my face but this did not help. Why are these Side effects not listed in the instructions?
This Regaine is bad, when I was on it for 3 months it was fine but a month a ago I stopped because the skin around my eyes went dark and rinkled. My wife said it could be the Regaine and my skin on my cheeks has gone lumpy. Why has this happend?
A good friend of mine was a model for a well known cosmetic company. He was worried about his hair loss and used minox to control it. When his skin was affected he was advised to stop using it but the color and texture of his skin was permantly changed. It aged his face and six months ago he killed himself.
My eyes have permanant black rings around them after Rogaine 5%. I used it for about 9 months and towards the end noticed the rings. Looks like im tired all the time not good. This was five years ago and they still bug me.
After using Minoxidil I stopped because of black rings around the eyes and skin problems. Having looked at a lot of people with hair loss I have come to the conclusion that I may not be the only one. I actuly asked a bloke I meet if he used it (on account of his poor skin) and he said yes and agreed that its had caused him problems with his appearance. I think that minoxidil can age the skin very quickly and give the heavy smoker look. I also think most of these affects are ireversable.
Minoxidil has worked very well for my hair in a short space of time. All of the hair has returned to my crown and the front is thicker but, I hve the black rings tired look an d thought its just one of those things but im worried about it. More and more people seem to be saying that this is a permanent effect! Why?
I had black rings around my eyes while using Minoxidil, fortunately they disappeard within few months when I ceased using it, also Minoxidil do decrease libido and shrinks testicles.
After 6 months I discontinued use of REGAINE because of bloodshot eyes and terrible skin texture. AVOID!
My experience with minoxidil ended after 6 months. It gave me the dark rings around the eyes and a strange roughness to my skin thats really apparent under florescent lighting. I have also looked on line at peoples before and after pics regarding topical minoxidil and the effects on their skin is dreadful. I am surprised that they are allowed to market this product and am sure as time goes on people may even consider legal action.
Minoxidil affected the skin on my face and made my penis sore. I used it for hair loss and had to stop after two months.
Minoxidil makes facial skin change and become scaly and pockmarked. You can tell people are using it by their aged and haggard appearance and black rings around their eyes. I agree that is gives the look of a heavy smoker.
It would seem strange that the dr seems surprised about the reaction to minoxidil as this is not the first question he has had on the subject. Many people are complaining about skin interactions with minoxidil and I have read reports on minoxidil stopping collagen production causing skin wrinkling and pore enlargement.
Scott,
For the record, this post was from 2005. If I got a lot of other questions about this, they were most likely after that. I hope this clears up any confusion you had.
My brother is sixteen and has used Regaine for 8 months. He does not get asked for ID anymore when buying alcohol and looks about 20. Maybe this is normal but he has heavy black rings around his eyes. He used to look very young but now people ask who is older out of us two. I am 24