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Reply: Rogaine and Skin Side Effects?

Well,here's what I know- I'm a 46 y.o. woman. About six months ago I started using...

Posted by LaTejanaLoca

Well,here's what I know-

I'm a 46 y.o. woman. About six months ago I started using Minox for hair loss. Prior to that, I had normal signs of aging, nothing huge. I use sunscreen and a topical Vitamin C,exercise and eat a good diet.

About six weeks ago I noticed a change in my skin, it just felt rougher. So, I stepped up my water intake and was hyper-vigilant about keeping my skin hydrated. Nothing. Then, I noticed distinct changes in my eyes about a month ago. Fluid retention under my eyes that I have never in my life had a problem with. EVER! To make it even worse, I have these dark circles under my eyes now that I have only ever read about on skincare forums but never experienced until now. Aging is a gradual thing, you don't just wake up one day and suddenly you look like a dope fiend. It's very distressing. I had my thyroid checked and it's fine.

Now, just because there have only been two studies done, and the only other evidence tends to be anecdotal, doesn't mean that there isn't merit in there being a link. It wouldn't be the first time the public has been given a miracle medication then several years later be told: "Oh hey,yeah,that great drug we gave you, just might cause A,B & C". Phen/Fen comes to mind among others.

It never occurred to me that the Minox could be the culprit until I just happened to stumble across a discussion in a forum and after doing research have found MANY others complaining of the EXACT same problems with premature aging around the eyes,dark circles and fluid retention (puffiness). Just because there are lots of people in these forums saying "Hey, that's happening to me too" doesn't mean there is some kind of viral lawsuit conspiracy going on (seriously?). What it means is people are talking and sharing and probably some of these claims are valid. Look, they didn't even know that Minox was good for growing hair as it was originally prescribed for blood pressure (or something) and then, anecdotally people started noticing increased hair growth as a side effect. Well, there's money in that so of course Upjohn conducted all the right studies. There isn't any money in ugly skin changes though, so just who is going to pay for the studies needed to prove that, huh? Right.

So, WishingItAway, you should listen to YOUR body as no one knows it better than you do. In 2009 I went to a dermatologist to have a mole on my ankle removed that had become inflamed . He told me it was fine, probably irritated from wearing tennis shoes, just take these antibiotics to clear up the inflammation. So, I did as I was told,but returned two weeks later to insist the mole be biopsied to which he was none too pleased but I just didn't feel good about it being there. Something inside me just 'knew'. Well, that mole turned out to be a malignant melanoma. Like I said, listen to your body.

And before you get the notion that the melanoma is an testament to me having spent a lot of time unprotected in the sun,therefore these changes in my skin are normal, let me say, I am not fair skinned. Brown hair, brown eyes and my skin isn't prone to burning. However, I have cousins and aunts who have had melanoma so for me it's obviously genetic.

I too am afraid to stop using the Minox though I've seen little improvement I certainly don't want to lose whatever I might have gained. On the other hand,I don't like walking around looking like a hung-over zombie after a five day meth binge either. It seems to me though that a hair loss problem is a lot easier to camouflage than a face problem, especially when it comes to my eyes. That's the first thing people look at when they meet you, your eyes....not your hair.

Like I said, you know your body better than anyone else.

Buen suerte.View Thread

Posted byLaTejanaLoca

4 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Rogaine and Skin Side Effects? Well,here's what I know- I'm a 46 y.o. woman. About six months ago I started using...

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