An Overview Of Hypertrichosis
Hypertrichosis is characterized by excessive localized or generalized hairy growth on certain areas of the body as a result of increase in length or density of hair.
Hypertrichosis is different from hirsutism which refers to male pattern of hairy growth on woman’s body because of increase in androgens (known as male sex hormones).
Lanugo, vellus, terminal and several other types of hair are responsible for hypertrichosis. Lanugo is the fine and down-like hairy growth which is mostly seen in newly born babies. Lanugo disappears within a year after birth.
On the other hand Vellus hair exists throughout childhood. Its density keeps increasing even after puberty.
Vellus hair too is smooth to touch similar to Lanugo but its thickness is more than Lanugo. It is usually smaller and slenderer compared to terminal hair.
Terminal hair, which is thicker than other types of hair, appears on genitalia. It can also appear on axillae (armpits) in not only men but also in women. In few cases terminal hair is seen on the mustache.
It can also appear on men’s chest, legs hands and even back portion.
What Causes Hypertrichosis?
Hypertrichosis is generally not considered as a medical problem as it occurs due to familial, racial or any other genetic factor.
Mediterranean women or those having origin in Middle East and Asia can be seen having excessive hairy growth on body.
The specific method for identifying or diagnosing hypertrichosis is not yet known because of deference in its appearance from person to person and its dependence on race, sex and even age.
Hypertrichosis cannot usually be identified in men because the dense hairy growth is mostly considered as common phenomenon in adulthood. Hypertrichosis may exist either at the time of birth.
It may also appear in the later stage of life as a result of any disease, condition or use of medications.
In some person excessive hair growth remains confined to a specific area where in others it may be generalized.
Wolfman’s syndrome shows one of the complex types of hypertrichosis. Severity of hypertrichosis can rarely be apparent in case of congenital hypertrichosis terminalis involving genetic factors.
Acquired hypertrichosis may occur due to malnutrition anorexia nervosa or other eating disorders such as bulimia.
How to treat Hypertrichosis?
Shaving, waxing and electrolysis can be used in treatment of hypertrichosis. Depilatory creams too can be applied for removal of hypertrichosis. You can also consider using eflornithine or bleach in treatment.
In case hypertrichosis occurs as a result of medication, metabolic or systemic illness then treatment can be based upon the cause.
