Facial Eruptive Vellus Hair Cysts After 3% Minoxidil Application

In 2017, a case was reported where a 34-year-old woman developed facial eruptive vellus hair cysts after using a 3% minoxidil solution on her scalp for 4 years to treat hair loss. Minoxidil, an antihypertensive agent, is commonly used to treat male pattern hair loss and alopecia areata multiplex. While generally well-tolerated, side effects can include irritation, pruritus, dryness, scaling, unwanted hair growth, exacerbation of hair loss, weight gain, facial swelling, and chest pain. In this case, the woman presented with numerous pinhead-to matchhead-sized papules and vellus hair growth on her entire face, especially on the forehead. The cysts remitted after surgical removal and cessation of the minoxidil application. This case suggested the possibility of minoxidil-induced eruptive vellus hair cysts.