Q: Our dermatologist originally suggested our son use the 5% Rogaine and he developed an allergic reaction to it. Allergy tests confirmed it was the propylene glycol causing the reaction. I understand that Rogaine foam has 5% minoxidil in it but no propylene glycol. Is that correct? A: In addition to minoxidil 5%, Rogaine Foam [...]

Q: I am suffering from male patterned baldness. I used Propecia a couple of months ago but had the sexual side effects from it so I stopped. I’ve recently gone back to using Propecia but I was just wondering how I avoid the side effects. Can Propecia be used every other day and still be effective. Also, do the side effects disappear if I continue to use it and how long does it take?

A: Yes, on both accounts. Alternate day therapy may decrease the side effects and still be effective in treating hair loss. The sexual side effects usually take a week or two to disappear after stopping the medication.

Q: Is Loniten good for treating hair loss? A: Loniten (oral minoxidil) is not useful for treating hair loss. The reason is that it stimulates hair growth all over the body (hypertrichosis) and has a number of serious side effects. Even when used to treat blood pressure, for which it is FDA approved, it is [...]

Q:What is the difference between Rogaine for men and Rogaine for women? A: Rogaine for men is 5% minoxidil and Rogaine for women is 2%. Another difference is that the 5% solution has propylene glycol in it whereas the 2% is alcohol based. The propylene glycol helps the minoxidil penetrate the skin better and makes [...]

Q: I have early thinning on the top of my scalp and I was told to use Propecia, but I heard that is was only for men. What do you think?

A: Women can’t take Propecia during the child-bearing years because, if ingested, it can cause birth defects in male offspring.

In post-menopausal women, where we see the greatest frequency of hair loss, it doesn’t seem to be effective.

In pre-menopausal women who do not plan to become pregnant or who already have children, we are still cautious about using the medication, since there effectiveness has not been proven and it’s long-term safety in this population has not been tested.