Topical vs Oral Finasteride – What’s The Difference?

Finasteride works by inhibiting the production of DHT, a hormone derived from testosterone that damages hair follicles, causing them to shrink and eventually disappear. Men with naturally higher DHT levels are more prone to hair loss. When used consistently and combined with other treatments, Finasteride can effectively halt hair loss.

Finasteride, whether in oral tablet form or topical solution, is recommended exclusively for men over 18 experiencing Male Pattern Baldness.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between using the medication topically versus orally.

Finasteride application methods

Topical Finasteride comes in spray form, and is applied directly to the scalp, whereas oral Finasteride is taken in the form of a pill.

In most cases, oral Finasteride should be taken once a day while topical Finasteride should be applied morning and evening.

Different potential side effects

Both forms of the treatment are effective; however, most men using topical Finasteride are less likely to encounter the unpleasant side effects occasionally associated with oral Finasteride tablets.

Topical Finasteride typically causes localized side effects on the scalp where applied, whereas oral Finasteride may result in side effects that affect other areas of the body. If you’re concerned about side effects, the topical option might be a better choice.

That said, oral Finasteride can be an excellent alternative for those who prefer taking a pill over applying a solution or for those whose scalp is prone to irritation from topical treatments.

Systemic side effects associated with oral Finasteride:

  • Temporary hair shedding
  • Skin rashes
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Testicular discomfort
  • Ejaculation disorder

While the above risks are lower with topical Finasteride, this treatment comes with its own potential side effects, which are almost always confined to the scalp:

  • Itchy or burning skin
  • Contact dermatitis
  • Erythema (red patches)
  • Skin irritation

How effective is oral Finasteride vs topical Finasteride?

As mentioned, both oral and topical Finasteride are effective when it comes to halting hair loss in men. Topical Finasteride does not lower blood DHT levels as significantly as the oral form. However, it offers similar benefits for hair while reducing the likelihood of side effects.