I'm dealing with pattern baldness and have been using minoxidil 5% for about two years now. It seemed to help at first, but lately, it doesn't seem to be as effective. Could there be a reason why it's not working anymore? Any advice would be really appreciated.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Dr Khaleel Ur Rahim

General Practitioner

MBBS
1+ Yrs

Consult Now

Minoxidil 5% is a common treatment for pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). While it can be effective, its effectiveness may decrease over time.Receptor downregulation: Minoxidil works by binding to specific receptors. Prolonged use may lead to a decrease in receptor density, reducing the medication's effectiveness.Other factors: Poor scalp health, inadequate application, or concurrent medical conditions may also contribute to decreased effectiveness. Options to consider:

Consult a dermatologist: Discuss your concerns and explore alternative treatments, such as finasteride (oral medication), low-level laser therapy (LLLT), or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.

Combination therapy: Using minoxidil in combination with other treatments, such as finasteride or LLLT, may help maintain or enhance its effectiveness.

Scalp care: Maintain good scalp hygiene, and consider using scalp serums or shampoos that promote hair growth.

Realistic expectations: Understand that minoxidil is not a cure for pattern baldness, and its effectiveness may vary.

Dr. Dr Khaleel Suggests...

Consult a Dermatologist

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Answered 04/07/2025

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I'm dealing with alopecia barbae for the past couple of years. It first affected the top of my head, which has thankfully recovered. Now, I'm noticing patches in my beard, and there are two noticeable bald spots. Can you suggest a reliable doctor in Hyderabad who can help with this?

Dermat opinion.

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I've got multiple lipomas in my hands and legs and need surgery to remove them. Did some research and feel ready, but a surgeon at a big hospital quoted 2.5k per lipoma. Wondering if there are better options out there maybe a dermatologist could do it for less? What's the usual cost for this?

Newer treatments for lipomas include High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) and injection lipolysis (dissolving injections), offering non-surgical alternatives to traditional surgical removal or liposuction. Cryotherapy is also an emerging treatment using extreme cold to destroy fat cells in the lipoma

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Can using ketoconazole shampoo and clotrimazole skin lotion at the same time help with treating tinea capitis? I've been taking terbinafine tablets as well, and I'm curious if combining these treatments is safe or more effective.

Yes, you can use ketoconazole shampoo and clotrimazole skin lotion together for tinea capitis. In addition to that, continue taking terbinafine tablets as prescribed by your doctor.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

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Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.