Betamethasone & Minoxidil for Treating Hair Loss

Hair loss affects almost all adults. Although it is not preventable, it is treatable. After checking with your doctor to ensure that there is no chemical imbalance such as thyroid disorder causing your hair loss, you may explore different options to reduce hair loss, including topical treatments such as betamethasone and minoxidil. Any drug comes with a list of cautions and counter-indications; discuss any new drug regimens with your doctor.

Minoxidil

• Minoxidil is a hair restoration liquid used exclusively with male pattern baldness. It is a prescription-only topical treatment used to promote hair growth. Patients see a change in hair pattern at approximately three to six months. Use of mionxidil is continuous; hair loss sufferers who stop using the product will begin to see hair loss again. Minoxidil users usually use a dropper to transfer the product from the bottle onto their scalps. Side effects include flaking, soreness and redness.

Betamethasone

• Betamethasone is a topical corticosteroid; corticosteroids are usually used for skin illnesses such as psoriasis, eczema and scaling. They work as anti-inflammatories, shrinking blood vessels that have become swollen. Betamethasone is not recommended for every day use as it may cause skin thinning and a decrease of collagen production. Side effects of betamethasone include: severe allergic reaction (hives, rash, acne), mild stinging, and inflamed hair follicles.

Interactions

• While betamethasone may be used with minoxidil, betamethasone is not recommended for long-term or every day use (apply the minoxidil before the betamethasone). The two hair treatments have potential interactions. Corticosteroids (betamethasone) may cause fluid and sodium retention and heightened plasma levels in some patients. Minoxidil users who have heart issues, are on antihypertensive medication or have experienced edema should use extreme care when adding betamethasone to their hair loss prevention regimen.