09 June 2025
: Case report 
Hypertrichosis Induced by Minoxidil: A Case of Systemic Absorption from Scalp Occlusion
Unusual clinical course, Challenging differential diagnosis, Unusual or unexpected effect of treatment, Diagnostic / therapeutic accidents, Adverse events of drug therapy
Marwa Majzoub ABCF 1, Vivien Moris
ABCDEF 2*
DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.947664
Am J Case Rep 2025; 26:e947664
Table 1 Summary of literature on minoxidil-induced hypertrichosis.
| Study | Patient profile | Minoxidil concentration | Hypertrichosis manifestation | Risk factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chellini et al, 2015 []10 | 26-year-old woman | 5% topical solution | Generalized hypertrichosis | Overuse beyond recommended dosage |
| Dawber and Rundegren, 2003 []11 | 1333 females (clinical trial) | 2–5% topical solution | 4% of participants developed hypertrichosis | Higher concentration, prolonged use |
| Echevarría et al, 2020 []14 | Infants (transdermal exposure) | 5–7% | Severe hypertrichosis in infants | Indirect exposure via parents using minoxidil |
| Rai, 2017 []15 | 3-year-old child with alopecia areata | 5% topical lotion | Hypertrichosis on forehead, cheeks, and neck | Overuse, applied in large amounts as ordinary hair oil |