Hey guys, I've been using Rogaine liquid on my hairline for the last year and have seen some decent results. But the skin where the Rogaine is applied is now slightly raised (almost swollen), and quite rough (kind of a gritty feel). It is only like this on the thin strip where I apply the Rogaine. Has anybody else experienced this? Any ideas on how to counter it? Thanks!
Raised, rough skin where Rogaine is applied...
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Xandroxuser
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antman said:
'contact dermatitis'. If it is 'contact dermatitis', perhaps the most likely cause is the propylene glycol in it. Many users develop an allergy to PG. You might try non-PG minoxidil liquids or rogaine foam and see how you get on. Although, in my (limited) experience an allergy is more often experienced as redness/soreness which if aggravated may turn into spots, etc.
Xandroxuser said:
It sounds like this may be what's going on. Over the last week or so, the area where I apply the Rogaine has been extremely itchy and tender. Also, when I scratch the rough areas, they do turn red and spotty. I've been considering making a switch to foam for a while, sounds like now may be the time. Thanks guys.
Xandroxuser
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bv2929 said:
While development of an allergy to PG is not that uncommon, allergy to minoxidil, itself, is extremely rare. So I should put your mind rest on that. The professional view, I think, is that if you have developed an allergy to PG forget about topical products that use PG. I notice from the instructions that come with Rogaine foam, there are ingredients that people might be allergic to - ? in theory? But I have no knowledge or experience of this. Does anyone else - have a 'medical' view on this latter point?
Xandroxuser
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bv2929 said:
Correct
Since I'm going to switch to the foam, should I go a couple days without any Rogaine before starting the foam in order to maybe clear the residue or (hopefully) allow the dermatitis to clear up? If so, how many days should I go without? I don't want to lose any ground. Any advice?
Xandroxuser
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bv2929 said:
The general principle is that you should not apply rogaine foam to any red or sore areas. Ideally, you should get experienced/medical advice. Personally, I go cautiously with a weak hydro-cortisone cream - and only occasionally and irregularly - to clear up problems or redness and soreness. This way the soreness/redness/itchiness usually clears up in a day or so.
All this assumes, of course, that your difficulties are comparable. They may not be.
Other things being equal, I would leave it for a few days and see what happens - does it clear up, etc? A more cautious approach might advise leaving it rogaine-free for a week, or so.
I hope this helps.
Xandroxuser
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In the UK there is a product called Eurax He Cream. This is available over the counter from most chemists in the UK. It has 0.25% W/W Hydrocortisone, together with an anti-itching ingredient.
I just don't like going straight to the 1% cream which for some time has been available over the counter here. Long term use may thin the skin, I believe.
I wouldn't advise using Rogaine at the same time - on the same area.
I just don't like going straight to the 1% cream which for some time has been available over the counter here. Long term use may thin the skin, I believe.
I wouldn't advise using Rogaine at the same time - on the same area.
Xandroxuser
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bv2929 said:
The important thing is to get the inflammation sorted before applying any more Rogaine on the same area.
Well I went and saw a dermatologist after going off Rogaine liquid for two days. The itching had actually mostly subsided by then, but the roughness/redness was still there. The derm said that itching was just a side effect of the minoxidil and that it is the most common cause for his patients to go off Rogaine. I asked why it would develop after a full year of using it, and he said he didn't know. He also said he said the roughness/redness on my hairline could be a mild allergic reaction to the minoxidil. He gave me a prescription for Lidex (which I have yet to fill) for the itching. So for the last four nights, I have applied Rogaine foam instead of liquid, and I'm convinced that something in the liquid (most likely the PG) was causing an issue with me. The nasty white/yellow residue that would form on my scalp is completely gone, and so is the rough skin and redness! It seems like my scalp was not properly absorbing the liquid, as I would have it in for four or five hours and my scalp would still be soaking wet with it. With the foam, my scalp absorbs it immediately. Sorry for the long-winded post, but I had to share my experience. Hopefully the foam will yield positive results for me!
Xandroxuser
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I've been considering making a switch to foam for a while, sounds like now may be the time. Thanks guys.[/quote]
Remember that users can develop an allergy at any time. You may have been using the offending ite for years. Also, PG allergy is quite common, minoxidil (skin) allergy very rare.
I hope it does well for you. Let us know.
Remember that users can develop an allergy at any time. You may have been using the offending ite for years. Also, PG allergy is quite common, minoxidil (skin) allergy very rare.
I hope it does well for you. Let us know.
Wow, I now know for certain that it was the PG. For the last week, my armpits and hands have also been extremely itchy. When I take my shirt off and look at my armpits in the mirror, they are extremely red. So I look at my deodorant and hand lotion and they both contain propylene glycol! So now that I know I've developed a reaction to PG, what do I do? Find deodorant and hand lotion that doesn't contain it? Will I always be allergic to it now? How did this happen so suddenly after using products containing PG for basically the last 10 years? I'd love to ask these questions to a dermatologist, but seeing as I was just at one, I don't have the money for another appointment. Can anybody here help me with these questions? Thanks.