Hypertrichosis
Introduction
The medical disease known as “werewolf syndrome” or hypertrichosis is characterised by excessive body hair growth. Men and women can both be affected by the disease, which can either be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life.
Hypertrichosis comes in two major varieties: generalised and localised. While localised hypertrichosis only affects certain body parts, generalised hypertrichosis includes excessive hair growth throughout the entire body.
Genetics, hormonal imbalances, specific medications, or underlying medical problems like tumours or autoimmune diseases can all contribute to hypertrichosis. In some instances, hypertrichosis has no known cause.
For those who have it, hypertrichosis can be an aesthetic issue that makes them feel self-conscious and stigmatised by society.
Pathophysiology
The medical disease known as “werewolf syndrome” or hypertrichosis is characterised by excessive body hair growth. Men and women can both be affected by the disease, which can either be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life.
Hypertrichosis comes in two major varieties: generalised and localised. While localised hypertrichosis only affects certain body parts, generalised hypertrichosis includes excessive hair growth throughout the entire body.
Genetics, hormonal imbalances, specific medications, or underlying medical problems like tumours or autoimmune diseases can all contribute to hypertrichosis. In some instances, hypertrichosis has no known cause.
For those who have it, hypertrichosis can be an aesthetic issue that makes them feel self-conscious and stigmatised by society.
Signs and Symptoms
Overgrowth of hair on the body that is uncharacteristically thick for one’s age, sex, or ethnicity is the primary symptom of hypertrichosis. The excessive hair growth may be localized, affecting only a few areas of the body, or generalized, impacting the complete body.
These are some additional signs of hypertrichosis:
- Growth of thick, black hair
- The development of hair in unexpected or unusual places, such as the face, back, breast, or buttocks
- An early or quick start to hair development
- Skin around hair shafts that itches, stings, or is inflamed
- Psychological anguish or social stigma brought on by an apparent overgrowth of hair
How do Dermatologists treat Hypertrichosis?
The underlying cause of hypertrichosis affects how the disease is treated. In order to successfully control the excessive hair growth, the underlying medical condition, such as a hormonal imbalance or tumor, must be treated if hypertrichosis is brought on by one.
- Shaving, waxing, or plucking extra hair: These procedures temporarily reduce the amount of hair development, but they also run the risk of causing skin irritation, ingrown hairs, or scarring.
- Depilatory creams: These moisturisers remove excess hair temporarily by dissolving it at the skin’s surface. They might, nonetheless, also result in allergic responses or skin rashes.
- Laser hair removal: Using focused light beams, laser hair removal kills hair follicles and stops further hair development. Long-lasting results may be obtained using this technique, but it may necessitate numerous sessions and be costly.
- Electrolysis: In order to destroy the hair follicle and stop further hair growth, electrolysis uses a very small needle to send an electrical current to the hair follicle. This process can take a lot of time and involve numerous sessions.
