Abnormal hair growth on the body is described as hypertrichosis. Very abnormal hair growth in the body is called as Werewolf syndrome.
This condition may occur even at birth (congenital) or it may develop or acquire in the later stages of life time.
Generally this condition of excess hair growth happens in all the areas of the body with the exception of pubic area, axillary regions and face.
Hypertrichosis could be classified in two methods. One method classifies it into two as generalized and localized and another method divides it into two as congenital and acquired form.
This hypertrichosis congenital form is developed at the birth itself by genetic mutations and normally this form of hypertrichosis is very rare.
Congenital form of generalized type causes male to distribute excessive hair all over the upper body and face. But, whereas female have less extensive hair distribution in asymmetrical form. In these cases, the mucous membrane, soles and palms are exempted.
Hypertrichosis Lanuginose normally human beings are having lanugo hair( the fine hair on the body of the fetus) and it is shed and replaced by vellus( the hair that succeeds lanugo hair). But in congenital form of hypertrichosis, the lanugo hair remains even after birth covering all over the body. In this case also palms, soles and mucous membranes are exempted.
Circumscribed hypertrichosis this is a congenital form in which the thick vellus hair present on the upper extremities. Circumscribed hypertrichosis is restricted to certain parts of the body and when the elbow and around elbow have excess thick hair, the condition is said to be hairy elbow syndrome.
Terminal hypertrichosis in this congenital form the entire parts of the body is covered by thick, pigmented terminal hair. This form is called as werewolf syndrome.
Localized hypertrichosis this term is applicable only when the congenital form have localized thick and long hair.
Acquired form of hypertrichosis this form appears after birth and it may be caused by drug side effects, cancer and eating habits and most of this form is curable by treatment.
Hypertrichosis lanuginose this acquired form is having the rapid growth of hair on the face, trunk and armpits and usually not pigmented and they are fine in nature.
Generalized hypertrichosis this acquired form normally affects cheeks, chins and upper lips. It also appears in the forearm and legs.
Localized hypertrichosis this acquired form is having the hair in dense and lengthy form and often caused by irritation or trauma. This form also restricted to certain parts of the body.
Patterned hypertrichosis This acquired form is characterized by excess hair growth in a parttern formation and may be caused by internal malignancy.
Hypertrichosis signs and symptoms excess hair is the primary symptoms in all types of hypertrichosis. This condition is having longer and thicker hair than all other normal human beings. This may have lanugo, vellus or terminal type of hair all over the body. The excess hair growth may be generalized or restricted to certain parts.
It is diagnosed clinically through the presence of hair in excess than what expected for age and sex. The excess hair may be in the form of excessive length or density.
Certain medical conditions cause hypertrichosis such as cancer, metabolic disorders, side effects of certain drugs and hyperthyroidism. The drug minoxidil when used orally and in tropical form may also cause this condition.
Management hypertrichosis it is the fact that congenital form of hypertrichosis do not have any cure by treatment and acquired form gives good result when underlying causes are identified and treated. Hair removal treatment is done to get rid of the disease. The hair removal may be done temporarily or permanently. Temporary removal may long last for several weeks only and it is purely by cosmetic procedures. Shaving and trimming are called as depilation methods which may give cure to several weeks. Epilation methods are methods which are done by electrology, waxing, plucking, threading and sugaring.
Permanent hair removal is achieved by using chemicals. Laser hair removal is the latest technology that provides long lasting effects. Electrology and laser hair removal are the two permanent hair removal methods.
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