I applied a topical formulation containing 0.25% finasteride for approximately 4–6 weeks in late 2022 and developed Post Finasteride Syndrome in January 2023. The side effects I initially experienced have remained unchanged.
At the time, my son was just under two years old. Although I applied the solution away from him, I remain seriously concerned about the possibility of indirect exposure for example, through a pillow, a shared comb or scalp massager, or from incidental contact such as touching my hair before hugging or holding him.
From memory, the solution was always fully dried before any potential contact occurred, and it was typically applied at night while he was asleep. However, given the potency of finasteride as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, I am concerned that even minimal exposure during early development could pose risks. I understand this may seem unlikely, but since developing PFS, I have had persistent worry that I may have inadvertently caused harm to my son or affected his development.