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Finasteride applied to the scalp rather than swallowed, aiming to lower scalp DHT with less drug reaching the bloodstream and potentially fewer systemic si
Finasteride applied to the scalp rather than swallowed, aiming to lower scalp DHT with less drug reaching the bloodstream and potentially fewer systemic side-effects. Evidence is growing and it is prescribed off-label; the same pregnancy precautions as oral finasteride still apply.
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Not medical advice. General education only; it does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Consult a board-certified dermatologist before starting, stopping or changing any treatment.
⚠️ When to see a doctor — don’t self-treat
- Sudden patchy or circular bald spots
- Redness, scaling, pus, pain or itch (possible scarring alopecia — treat urgently)
- Broken hairs or rapid loss
- Loss with body-wide signs (weight loss, fatigue, cycle changes, acne, extra hair)
- Loss right after a new medication
- Any hair loss in a child