What is Hypertrichosis?
Hypertrichosis is a condition characterized by excessive hair growth on areas of the body where hair is not normally present or where the amount is unusually thick. This hair growth can be either congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life.
What causes Hypertrichosis?
The causes depend on the type:
Congenital Hypertrichosis (present at birth)
- Is it genetic? Yes, it is usually caused by rare genetic mutations.
- Does it run in families? It can be inherited, although it’s extremely rare.
- Is it linked to other conditions? Sometimes it is associated with developmental disorders.
Acquired Hypertrichosis (develops later in life)
- Can medications cause it? Yes, drugs like minoxidil, phenytoin, or cyclosporine may lead to excessive hair growth.
- Can certain diseases cause it? Yes, conditions such as cancer (especially paraneoplastic syndromes), malnutrition, and endocrine disorders may be linked.
- Is it ever idiopathic (no known cause)? Yes, in some cases the exact cause is unknown.
What are the symptoms of Hypertrichosis?
Symptoms vary by type and severity, but common signs include:
- Excessive hair growth on the face, back, arms, or legs
- Hair that may be fine, soft (lanugo type), or thick and dark (terminal hair)
- In congenital forms, hair may cover large parts of the body
- In acquired forms, hair growth usually appears gradually over time
How is Hypertrichosis different from Hirsutism?
- Hirsutism is excessive hair growth in women in a male pattern (face, chest, back) and is usually hormone-related.
- Hypertrichosis affects both males and females and is not necessarily linked to hormones.
How is Hypertrichosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on:
- Medical history and physical exam
- Review of medications
- Blood tests or hormonal studies (if needed to rule out endocrine causes)
- Genetic testing in congenital cases
- Imaging may be done if underlying tumors are suspected
What is the treatment for Hypertrichosis?
Is there a cure?
There is no cure, but the condition can be managed cosmetically or medically depending on the cause.
What cosmetic options are available?
- Shaving or trimming
- Waxing or depilatory creams
- Bleaching (to lighten the hair)
- Electrolysis (permanent hair removal option)
- Laser hair removal (effective for dark hair)
Are medications ever used?
- Eflornithine cream – May slow facial hair growth
- Stopping or changing medications – If the condition is drug-induced
- Treating underlying medical conditions – If acquired due to disease
What are the complications or concerns with Hypertrichosis?
- Emotional and psychological impact – Especially in visible areas like the face
- Skin irritation – Due to frequent hair removal practices
- Social stigma – Can affect self-esteem, especially in children and women
Can Hypertrichosis be prevented?
- Congenital forms cannot be prevented.
- Acquired forms may be avoided by monitoring medications and addressing underlying health conditions early.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can improve cosmetic outcomes and emotional well-being.