Hypertrichosis

General description of the disease

This is a pathology that manifests itself in excess body hair, not characteristic of sex, body part or age.^[3]… At the same time, thin, colorless vellus hair becomes coarse and pigmented. The most common is considered congenital hypertrichosis.

Unlike hirsutism, which affects exclusively women, both sexes suffer from hypertrichosis. Hirsutism is characterized by local hair growth in androgen-dependent zones, while hypertrichosis is characterized by hair growth of any part of the body.

Classification of hypertrichosis

Depending on the clinical picture, the following types of hypertrichosis are distinguished:

1. 1 local – characterized by pathological hair growth of a certain part of the body. In turn, it can be: prothoracic – Excessive hair growth in the chest area; lumbar – tufts of hair in the lumbar region; nevi – a congenital pathology in which hair grows on birthmarks;
2. 2 general – abnormal body hair growth;
3. 3 congenital usually indicates a genetic syndrome, in this case, in babies, thin embryonic hairs do not change into vellus hair, but continue to grow and can reach 10-15 cm;
4. 4 acquired often a harbinger of malignant tumors. This form of pathological hair growth differs in that instead of vellus hair in an adult, long embryonic hairs begin to grow in certain parts of the body. Moreover, in most patients, acquired hypertrichosis is detected several years before the onset of malignant neoplasms;
5. 5 drug develops as a side effect of taking certain medications, usually hormonal;
6. 6 symptomatic;
7. 7 traumatic.

Causes of hypertrichosis

• genetic mutations that cause changes in the structure of epithelial cells, as a result of which they turn into epidermal. The cause of such mutations can be an infectious disease transferred during pregnancy;
• hypertrichosis can be a harbinger of malignant tumors;
• long-term use of drugs of the group of cephalosporins, penicillins and streptomycins;
• burns and injuries. Excessive hair growth may appear at the site of the scar;
• Plucking facial hair can lead to traumatic hypertrichosis, while thin vellus hair is replaced by thick and coarse hair;
• craniocerebral trauma;
• severe stress;
• anorexia nervosa;
• liver obesity;
• prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
• may be a symptom of endocrine disorders;
• violation of hormonal levels due to menopause or pregnancy;
• amenorrhea;
• tumors of the brain or mammary glands;
• some sexually transmitted diseases;
• frequent thermal procedures;
• tuberculosis;
• alcohol syndrome.
• diabetes;

Symptoms of hypertrichosis

The main symptom of hypertrichosis is body hair growth that is not characteristic of race, gender, age and origin. For example, hip hair in Mediterranean women is considered normal, while in Asian women it will be considered a pathology.

In men this pathology manifests itself in excessive hair growth of the back, legs, shoulders and face.

Congenital hypertrichosis usually manifests itself immediately after the birth of a child. At the same time, in a baby, the body is completely covered with long and thin hair. Sometimes this pathology manifests itself only by 2-3 years. Sometimes in children, hypertrichosis is accompanied by missing teeth, oligophrenia and microcephaly.

Women abnormal hair growth is observed in the area of ​​the buttocks, thighs, chest, limbs and on the face. Fusion of the eyebrows is a symptom of limited hypertrichosis.

Often, hypertrichosis is accompanied by weakness in the legs, loss of limb sensitivity.

Local congenital hypertrichosis is manifested by the presence of hair on the birthmark or in the form of a bundle of long hair in the lumbar region.

Complications of hypertrichosis

Hypertrichosis is a pronounced cosmetic defect that affects the quality of life and causes serious psychological problems that can result in persistent depression. By itself, hypertrichosis is not dangerous, the survival rate for this pathology is 100%.

Prevention of hypertrichosis

In order to minimize the risk of hypertrichosis, you should heed the recommendations of doctors:

1. 1 before you start taking new medications, carefully read the annotation and assess the risk of side effects;
2. 2 try to avoid frequent exposure of the skin to traumatic factors that stimulate blood circulation. This applies to modern cosmetic and depilatory procedures: cryotherapy, shugaring, wax depilation, shaving;
3. 3 do not abuse hormonal creams and ointments;
4. 4 avoid stress and emotional overload;
5. 5 treat endocrine diseases in a timely manner;
6. 6 timely treatment of hormonal pathologies.

If you experience abnormal hair growth, see your doctor, as hypertrichosis can be a harbinger of a tumor.

To prevent the congenital form of hypertrichosis, pregnant women should give up bad habits, walk a lot in the fresh air, and avoid intense physical activity.

Massage, paraffin applications, mud therapy, mustard plasters and the use of nourishing creams are contraindicated for those suffering from hypertrichosis.

Treatment of hypertrichosis in mainstream medicine

Drug treatment will be effective only if the cause of hypertrichosis is clearly established. After collecting anamnesis and determining the hormonal background, an endocrinologist or gynecologist prescribes treatment aimed at stabilizing the patient’s mental state and correcting hormonal disorders. If the disease was provoked by medications, then the doctor will select analogs with milder side effects. If the cause of the disease is polycystic ovary disease, then the gynecologist prescribes appropriate treatment. If hypertrichosis provoked stress or a nervous breakdown, then the doctor will select antidepressants to stabilize the emotional background. Congenital hypertrichosis is not treatable.

Hair removal is a good symptom treatment. But hair removal has only a short-term effect. You can bleach your hair with dyes or hydrogen peroxide.

Attention!

The administration is not responsible for any attempt to use the information provided, and does not guarantee that it will not harm you personally. The materials cannot be used to prescribe treatment and make a diagnosis. Always consult your specialist doctor!