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What is Hypertrichosis: A Guide About Symptoms and Treatments

What is Hypertrichosis: A Guide About Symptoms and Treatments

Hypertrichosis

Hair is an important part of the body, especially when considering aesthetics and protection against the elements. However, what happens when it grows too much where it should not grow the skin surface? Well, this is a rare and abnormal condition known as Hypertrichosis. The article will discuss the symptoms and treatments of the condition.

Hypertrichosis may be congenital, where one is born with the condition. It may also be acquired; whereby, one gets the condition later in life. Also known as werewolf syndrome, Hypertrichosis is at times confused with hirsutism. However, the latter condition occurs when a woman grows hair in areas where men normally grow hair, such as the chin.

Causes

The main cause of Hypertrichosis is genetics. If the condition runs in the family, it is likely to affect a family member. During the early ages, the genes that made it possible for extensive hair growth are now inactive as hair is not required to stay warm.

For those with congenital, it is assumed that the gene may have reactivated while in the womb. However, acquired Hypertrichosis is a condition developed later in life caused by various factors, including.

  • Eating disorders and poor diet
  • Malnutrition
  • Medication for hair growth, certain androgenic steroids, and immunosuppressants
  • Autoimmune diseases that affect the skin
  • Cancer cell mutations

Symptoms

According to Beverly Hills Hair Restoration, the primary symptom of the condition is hair growth that is not usual for a person’s sex, age, or race. Hair may also grow in areas of the body that are not normal.

There are 3 types of hair produced by Hypertrichosis.

Vellus hair: This hair is normally soft, short, and slightly pigmented. They occur throughout the body apart from areas with no hair follicles such as palms, soles of one’s feet, or mucus membranes.

Lanugo: This condition consists of hair growth that is very soft, long, and thin. To get a clear picture, consider the hair of a newborn baby. There is no pigment in lanugo hair, and it normally falls off after birth in babies. However, for a person suffering from Hypertrichosis, the overgrowth of hair will remain until treated.

Terminal: This is the darkest of the three and is usually coarse, thick, and long. It grows in the armpits, face, and groin.

Treatment and Management of Hypertrichosis

According to answers provided by Beverly Hills Hair Restoration, one can avoid the risk of getting acquired Hypertrichosis by ensuring avoidance of the following.

  • Androgenic steroids
  • Certain immunosuppressants Being 
  • Hair growth drugs

Considering that there is no particular cure for Hypertrichosis, treatment normally involves removing hair that does not grow in usual places on the body. Short-term hair removal methods include.

  • Plucking
  • Shaving
  • Bleaching
  • Waxing
  • Chemical epilation

These methods are temporary, and the hair normally grows again, causing irritation, ingrown hairs, and rashes. There are areas too that are hard to reach, which limits the effectiveness of this method.

Laser and Electrolysis Treatment

These are permanent treatments that help destroy the hair follicles individually using electrical charges. They are offered at Beverly Hills Hair Restoration.

Laser epilation is less painful compared to electrolysis and involves the use of laser light. For some individuals, this can lead to permanent hair loss. However, it requires more than one session to get the desired results.

In Conclusion

Based on the type of hypertrichosis one suffers from, the treatments above may be considered effective. However, if there is a family history of the condition, it is always good to ensure one visits a doctor. This helps to either manage or treat the condition permanently. Visit Beverly Hills Hair Restoration to get checked by an expert who will assist you towards your desired management or treatment of the condition.

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