minoxidil side effect. Please help

[lobsterlobster]

Hey,

Kind of a tough spot here. I started rogaine about two weeks ago and felt great about it. Then suddenly I noticed that whenever I smile, I have wrinkles under my eyes. I want to say that this is a normal part of smiling. But I don't think I noticed this before starting treatment, and I read online of this happening to people. There are slightly dark circles under my eyes, but I think I have always had those. I know many people quit after encountering rogaine side effects, but I DO NOT want to do that. Do you think the wrinkles are just my imagination? And if they're not, do you think side effects will worsen? Because I can handle a little premature aging to keep my hair.

 

[wstef]

You'll have had some there before. Most people have lines when they smile, even kids.

However, shortly after I started Regaine I had dark patches and dry skin under my eyes and still have a slight darkening (not too noticeable now, though).

Ageing gives us darker eyes and wrinkles, so if you're concerned use some eye cream.

I think minoxidil dries the eye area out, which makes wrinkles look worse and can often thin the skin in that already delicate area, which makes darkening even worse.

Instead of putting the minoxidil in the cap, then on my fingers, then into my hair I now squirt small blobs directly onto my hair then work it in. This seems to have stopped the dry skin (perhaps a shorter exposure to it, breathing it in etc?). It also means I don't need to use as much (because it turns into liquid too quickly on contact with the skin).

On top of that, I also lean my head over into the bathroom sink when I am applying it, but this is more to help me see how many hairs are falling out!

I used to rub vaseline on my eyes before applying but I stopped that because it seemed pointless.

 

[lobsterlobster]

You'll have had some there before. Most people have lines when they smile, even kids.

However, shortly after I started Regaine I had dark patches and dry skin under my eyes and still have a slight darkening (not too noticeable now, though).

Ageing gives us darker eyes and wrinkles, so if you're concerned use some eye cream.

I think minoxidil dries the eye area out, which makes wrinkles look worse and can often thin the skin in that already delicate area, which makes darkening even worse.

Instead of putting the minoxidil in the cap, then on my fingers, then into my hair I now squirt small blobs directly onto my hair then work it in. This seems to have stopped the dry skin (perhaps a shorter exposure to it, breathing it in etc?). It also means I don't need to use as much (because it turns into liquid too quickly on contact with the skin).

On top of that, I also lean my head over into the bathroom sink when I am applying it, but this is more to help me see how many hairs are falling out!

I used to rub vaseline on my eyes before applying but I stopped that because it seemed pointless.

Thanks for helping me out with my various concerns, wstef. I appreciate it. So, you're saying that you had dark patches under your eyes, but they eventually got better rather than worse? I read online about minoxidil "destroying" people's faces, and it's a scary thing to read. I'm even thinking about dropping down to %2 minoxidil, since I've noticed that my eyes feel sore/worn out whenever I apply rogaine. But I'd like to stick with the %5. However, I did realize an important factor with the eye thing--yesterday morning, I was applying the foam directly to my scalp, and I guess the angle was wrong, so this rogaine mist kind of surrounded my face and went into my eyes. I didn't think much of it at the time, but that may have made things worse. From then on, I close my eyes whenever I apply it. Also, another concern (sorry for making this long): I was applying it last night, and I got a ringing in my ears, like what you get after coming home from a loud concert or something. Damn. All these obstacles that come at us in this tough but possible battle against hair loss.

 

[wstef]

Yes, they got better... or are getting better. I think this is because I use less of it, though. However, I still have the dark patches, but they're not as visible and the skin isn't dry any more. I am also much more aware of my wrinkles but it's because I am checking more. I hardly have any to be fair and I am nearly 30. They're pretty much just fine lines at the moment. I see people younger than me with worse wrinkles.

Dark circles are often caused by increased fluid and thinning skin.

When I apply it I put 6 tiny blobs directly onto my hair. Two at the front, two in the middle and two at the back. It's relatively easy to do. I then rub it in quickly, but hold my head over the sink whilst I am doing it.

What my advice would be for you is to check everything out now... check your wrinkles, the hair on your eyebrows, any lines on your head etc... and if they get worse in a short period then it might be the minoxidil. I have discovered things about myself I never knew since starting hair loss treatment. For example, I never noticed the tear ducts on the underside of my bottom eyelid... I thought I had some kind if problem!

When I first started using it I got a pounding sensation in my temples, but that eventually stopped. This is probably what is causing the ringing, the blood flowing to the head.

Try cutting down on the amount you use. The foam is quite hard to work in when there isn't enough, though.

 

[KindaBugged]

I had this problem too, and fast, like 10 days after starting minoxidil. The wrinkles under my eyes are more noticeable at mornings, just after waking up. Then it gets a little better.
Another thing i´m feeling is that i´m seeing some light around light bulbs, like a fog. I can only see this a night and only in some kind of light sources, mostly the yellow lamps.
I´m pretty sure I have never seen this before. But it does not bother me.

 

[lobsterlobster]

That's what it took for me, too...like 10 days. But that doesn't bother you? I've been minoxidil-free for about 3 days now, and my eyes feel so much better. I used to live with a constant soreness in my eyes, and it's pretty much gone now. My wrinkles are still there but less so. And trust me, they just got worse and worse. I'm thinking about switching to the 2% minoxidil and only use it once a day. Maybe that'll help.

 

[wstef]

Earlier today the bathroom was really right with sunlight and I looked in the mirror and I can definitely see worsening wrinkles under my eyes. Grrr!

Then again, I'll notice it more in such bright lights. It's really difficult to "check yourself out" in natural light.

It's working for me, but I don't know if I was to look older because of it. Perhaps just once a day is enough? What would you recommend? Morning or evening?

 

[wstef]

Just been looking around and minoxidil may reduce collagen production:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7672621

On top of it's clear affect on the face (either dehydration or puffiness... quite the opposite!) it may also inhibit collagen production.

minoxidil kills you face, finasteride kills your c***...

 

[lobsterlobster]

wstef, if you're still committed to the minoxidil, I'd suggest applying it once a day, whenever you're NOT showering. I shower in the mornings, and I love how the foam thickens up my hair, but I just couldn't handle the absorption.

 

[wstef]

I shower morning and night. It's because I cycle and I need to clean myself before I go to bed

I'll just use it in the morning, then it's on for longer.