Topical spironolactone/minoxidil foam???

drewsturner

Has anyone on this site had any positive results from topical spironolactone? Also, has anyone tried the foam form of minox?

TheFittest

Hi Drew,

I've had excellent success maintaining my hair with Dr. Lee's 5% topical spironolactone cream. The only other product I use is Dr. Lee's 2% ketoconazole shampoo (his version of Nizoral -- which is *much* easier on hair than the standard version).

Before Dr. Lee compounded his version, I made a "homebrew" 3% cream. I don't recommend doing this. Consistency batch to batch is key, and that's difficult to achieve at home.

An anecdote. For almost a year, I was inconsistent in my use of the 5% topical spironolactone cream, and my crown and temple-points suffered. After my last HT with Dr. Cole, I decided to apply the cream every day, once a day, without fail. Almost 18 months later, I've stopped loss in the crown, and have *regrown* cosmetically significant hair at my temple-points (those aesthetically essential small triangles of hair on the sides of your hair above the sideburns).

In short: use it. Esp. if you've had any significant side-effects from internal drugs.

Regarding the new minoxidil foam. I have not been a big fan of minox in the past. It has been difficult to apply and that's a serious negative when compliance is key. I have some experience with this kind of delivery system for other skin conditions, and this foam is almost certainly superior to the liquid solutions. It may be useful, esp. if you are a diffuse thinner with curly or wiry hair. I do not like minoxidil hair quality on scalps that have thin or fine hair.

I hope this reply has been helpful.

TheFittest

Sweet Cheeks

drewsturner

Thanks for the info...

When you started using it consistently, how long was the turn around time to see positive results on your scalp? Is there any irritation? I assume you put it on before you go to bed?

Sweet Cheeks

I was told by dR Lee to put it on a few minutes after the minoxidil at night.

TheFittest

Sweet Cheeks,
"Hey Fittest,

I am almost 4 months post op with Dr cole, 1491 into the temples. I am looking into Dr Lees spiro. I tried the xandrox but its too greasy for me. I use the xandrox 15 at night before bed b/c I dont care about the greasiness. Do you think it's a good fit? Mt crown has the swirl and I'd like to possible beef it up a bit."

I think all of Dr. Lee's minox products are of high quality, but the foam is probably as effective and certainly easier to apply. Try the foam if possible.

I can't emphasize enough the importance of topicals that have anti-androgen effect. I would certainly use the 5% topical spiro, esp. on the crown and temple-points, and make sure that you use a 2% ketoconazole shampoo at least 2x weekly.

Good luck with the hairline work from Dr. Cole. Nobody does it better.

*******

Drew,

"When you started using it consistently, how long was the turn around time to see positive results on your scalp? Is there any irritation? I assume you put it on before you go to bed?"

It helped me stabilize the crown after about 4 months. After 8 months I noticed a significant difference at my temple-points. You need to give topical spironolactone time to work. Be persistent -- it pays.

Not only is there no irritation, but I've found the aloe-infused delivery cream vehicle to be helpful with my otherwise super-sensitive skin. Can't say enough good things about Dr. Lee's spiro. It's great that we have at least a plausible alternative to internal medications.

I apply it after my nightly shower when the hair is well-hydrated. I believe this is key. Do not dry your hair excessively before you apply the topical spiro cream -- indeed it should be almost wet. A well-hydrated scalp is much preferable to a dry scalp when you want to deliver topicals to the hair follicle. So, not soaking wet, but very, very moist is best.

I hope this helps.

TheFittest

drewsturner

Thanks, this def. helps. I am going to give it a try at the start of the new year. I wish there was a better hair gel or mousse made with stuff like this in it. The haircycle line needs a volume gel in it's arsenal...

Sweet Cheeks

I just purchased the 5% spiro from Dr Lee and will give it a try w/ my minox arsenal.

drewsturner

I went to Dr. Lee's site and apparently there is a $20 consultation fee. How did that work? Was it just questions over the web that were required to fill out?

Thanks-

drcole

it could be that he is doing his best to avoid the problems associated with prescribing medications on line without ever seeing a person. by charging money he is helping to insulate himself from treating without knowing what the real problem is. as you might suspect he does not make his money treating patients. he makes his money selling you products. if his product is a prescription medication, which spironolactone is, he can get into trouble dispensing medications without ever seeing you in person or ever evaluating you. of course he could be trying to cover his expenses for keeping a medical record on you too. this is the first i have heard of him charging. keep us posted on your progress.