What Is Hypertrichosis?

An uncommon and unusual illness called hypertrichosis results in excessive hair growth on any body part. likewise, werewolf syndrome is another term used to describe this condition . Hirsutism and hypertrichosis might be confused. Hirsutism, a more prevalent condition. Makes women develop coarse hair in places where men traditionally have it, like on their chins.

Causes

The causes of hypertrichosis are the subject of numerous theories. They include:

Genetic

Hypertrichosis Lanuginosa

A paracentric inversion alteration of a chromosomal band may be what causes congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa. But it’s also possible that the condition arises spontaneously rather than through inheritance. Also this kind of skin condition is autosomal dominant (not on the sex chromosomes).

Generalized Hypertrichosis

Congenital generalized hypertrichosis is inherited dominantly and has been connected to chromosomes. A 50% possibility exists that an affected female who carries of the illness gene will pass it on to her progeny. In the same way, a male with this condition can impart it to his daughters but not his sons.

Generalized Terminal Hypertrichosis

The genetic alterations in chromosomes that result in the addition or deletion of millions of nucleotides are assumed to be the reason for congenital generalized hypertrichosis terminalis. The gene could play a role in this disorder. Likewise, the alteration in the chromosome that affects the gene transcription may also cause this condition.

Other Hypertrichosis Formations

Some people with porphyria cutanea tarda may exhibit facial hypertrichosis as a symptom. Mainly on top of the cheeks.

Also, A family history of congenital hypertrichosis may exist. It appears to be brought on by abnormally active hair-growth-stimulating genes. Because most people don’t need to be coated in hair to be warm. The genes that triggered substantial hair development in early human ancestors are mostly dormant today. These genes become active during pregnancy in persons with congenital hypertrichosis.

However, other potential explanations exist for acquired hypertrichosis, which manifests later in life. Some causes are:

Malnutrition

• Unhealthy eating habits or specific eating disorders, like anorexia nervosa
• Various pharmaceuticals, including immunosuppressants, androgenic steroids, and hair growth meds

Cell Mutation and Cancer

• Skin-related autoimmune and viral conditions
• Hypertrichosis can occasionally be brought on by having porphyria cutanea tarda, which makes the skin susceptible to UV rays.

If this disease exclusively affects certain areas of the body. It may be caused by chronic skin disorders like lichen simplex. Characterized by recurrent rashes, itching, and scaling. Also the disease can also be brought on by an increased blood flow (vascularity) in a particular body location. In the same way, Hypertrichosis symptoms can occasionally be seen when you wear a plaster cast.

Symptoms Of Hypertrichosis

The main sign of hypertrichosis is the appearance of more hair than is typical for a person’s race, age, and sex. Hair may also show up in unexpected places. The type of hair that hypertrichosis produces varies. Three forms of hair can develop as a result of hypertrichosis:

Lanugo

Lanugos have long, fine, and incredibly soft hair. It resembles a newborn baby’s body hair in texture. Typically, lanugo hair lacks pigment and falls off a few weeks following birth. These lanugo hairs will persist in those who have hypertrichosis.

Vellus

Typically, vellus hair is short, supple, and hardly pigmented. Except for places like the mucous membranes, the foot, and the palms with no hair follicles, these hairs can grow wherever on the body.

Terminal

Among the three hair kinds, terminal hair is the darkest. Typically, terminal hair is thick, long, and coarse. The cheeks, armpits, and groin are the usual locations for this condition, which is frequently linked to hormones. Terminal hair frequently grows on hairy women’s arms, faces, back, and breasts. With age, the degree of this conditionmanifestations may worsen or improve.

Types

This sickness comes in various forms and is divided into groups based on when and how a person first experiences the ailment.

Congenital Hypertrichosis Lanuginosa

The tiny lanugo hairs usually develop in a fetus but do not disappear after birth. Instead, during the person’s life, the lanugo hairs continue to grow profusely in various body parts.

Congenital Terminal Hypertrichosis

The newborn can be born with terminal hair that persists throughout their lifetime rather than lanugo or vellus hair. Affected people frequently have thick, completely pigmented hair covering their entire body, even their faces.

Hypertrichosis Acquired

This condition acquired manifests itself later in life. It exhibits a number of the same patterns as congenital type. Hair might be terminal, lanugo, or vellus and can appear in small spots or on the entire body.

Hypertrichosis Naevoid

This disorder is an abnormal amount of hair growth on one or several skin regions. A particularly solid and thick monobrow, sometimes known as a unibrow, is a typical example.

Hirsutism

Up to 10% of women have hirsutism, which is sometimes mistaken for hypertrichosis. However, Hirsutism is a word used to describe women who grow thick terminal hairs in areas of the body where male hair typically grows. Like the chest and chin. Additionally Hormone imbalances frequently cause hirsutism in females.

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Management

Some individuals may be able to lower their risk of developing specific forms of this sickness by staying away from:

• Certain immunosuppressants
• Androgenic steroids
• Medications for growing hair

This condition has no known treatment. The symptoms are managed with hair removal from the affected region as part of the treatment. The following are some quick hair removal techniques:

• Chemical Epilation
• Plucking
• Shaving
• Bleaching
• Waxing

These short-term fixes can reduce the amount of hair in the region, but the situation will make the hair regrow. Additionally, employing these techniques may irritate skin and result in ingrown hairs and rashes. Additionally, some of these procedures can be challenging to apply to certain body parts.

Laser Or Electrolysis Therapy

Some persons may choose long-term procedures like electrolysis or laser epilation. All single hair follicles are destroyed by electrolysis utilizing electrical charges. Electrolysis accomplishes the same task using laser light. It is, however, more painful than laser epilation, which. Though it could need several sessions, some people will have permanent hair loss due to the treatment.

Conclusion About Hypertrichosis

Depending on the form, hypertrichosis frequently has other symptoms and could signify another ailment. Anyone with a genetic history of hypertrichosis should consult a physician because some forms of the disorder may have a hereditary component. The only required and practical treatment for hypertrichosis is controlling the symptoms or addressing the underlying cause.