Minoxidil is a popular product in the fight against hair loss. Whether it’s to slow down, or to regrow lost hair.
Some people are worried that minoxidil is inflammatory, and will cause redness, or irritation to their scalp as a result.
But rest assured, inflammation caused by minoxidil is a rare side effect. As a matter of fact, minoxidil has anti-inflammatory effects. Let me explain why.
Does minoxidil cause inflammation?
Minoxidil is usually not inflammatory.
But in some rare instances, it can cause inflammation at the root of the hair.
Minoxidil can cause redness if one is allergic to the product, or is over applying. This can cause pain to the body in some scarce occasions.
But research has shown that minoxidil in truth has anti-inflammatory effects by down regulating certain gene expressions of the cells.
Can Rogaine cause scalp inflammation?
The same rules apply to Rogaine as they do to any generic brand of minoxidil seeing as it’s more or less the same, and simply a variation of those ingredients.
Thus, it can cause scalp inflammation in some rare cases, but it’s unlikely.
It’s more probable that its anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness.
Is minoxidil an anti-inflammatory
Research has shown that minxodil does actually have an anti-inflammatory effect.
This is proven by the fact that minoxidil downregulates the interleukin (IL)-1α gene expression in HaCaT cells.
Does minoxidil reduce inflammation?
Minoxidil can help to reduce scalp inflammation, although that’s not what it’s used for.
The main reason to use said drug is to combat hair loss, or to regulate one’s blood pressure. Although it’s taken orally if utilized to modulate hypertension.
Minoxidil can cause scalp inflammation when someone’s allergic, or applying too much minoxidil. But those cases are uncommon.
You should refrain from using minoxidil if your scalp is irritated or already inflamed since that might make it worse.
Conclusion
Inflammation caused by minoxidil is rare, and not something you should expect when applying.
Most of the time, the anti-inflammatory effects of the product will prevent this from happening. Unless you’re allergic, or heavily over applying.
When your scalp is already irritated, then you should refrain from utilizing minoxidil since it can worsen the preexisting condition.