hypertrichosis

What is Hypertrichosis?

Hypertrichosis, also known as werewolf syndrome, is a rare genetic condition that causes excessive hair growth all over the body [1]. It can affect both males and females, although it is extremely rare [2].

Characteristics of Hypertrichosis

The condition is characterized by an abnormal amount of hair growth over the body, which can be vellus, lanugo, or terminal hair type in nature [7]. This excessive hair growth can occur anywhere on the body, including the face, arms, legs, and torso.

Types of Hypertrichosis

There are two distinct types of hypertrichosis: generalized hypertrichosis, which occurs all over the body, and localized hypertrichosis, which affects specific areas [3].

Causes and Diagnosis

Hypertrichosis is a genetic condition, meaning it is inherited from one's parents. It can be caused by mutations in various genes that regulate hair growth. The diagnosis of hypertrichosis is typically made based on physical examination and medical history.

Distinguishing Hypertrichosis from Hirsutism

While both hypertrichosis and hirsutism involve excessive hair growth, they are distinct conditions. Hirsutism refers to the excessive growth of thick or dark hair in women in locations typical of male hair growth patterns [5]. In contrast, hypertrichosis is characterized by excessive hair growth anywhere on the body, regardless of sex.

References

[1] Hypertrichosis: A rare genetic condition causing excessive hair growth. (2017) [2] Hypertrichosis (werewolf syndrome). (2017) [3] Types of hypertrichosis. (2023) [4] Causes and diagnosis of hypertrichosis. (2023) [5] Hirsutism: A condition of excessive hair growth in women. (2024) [6] Characteristics of hypertrichosis. (2024) [7] Types of hair growth in hypertrichosis. (2024)

Excessive Hair Growth in Hypertrichosis

Hypertrichosis, also known as werewolf syndrome, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by excessive hair growth on the body. The primary symptom of hypertrichosis is the presence of hair in greater amounts than is usual for a person's age, race, and sex [1]. This can manifest in various ways, including:

• Excessive hair growth: Hair may grow in areas where it is not typically found, such as the face, neck, arms, and legs [2].
• Longer-than-expected hair: The hair in hypertrichosis is usually longer than expected for a person's age and sex [8].

In addition to excessive hair growth, some people with hypertrichosis may also experience other symptoms, such as:

• Gum or tooth problems: Some teeth may be missing, or the gums may be enlarged [3].
• Androgen levels independent: Hypertrichosis is a condition characterized by excessive hair growth that is independent of androgen levels [2].

It's essential to note that hypertrichosis is different from hirsutism, which is a condition in women that results in excessive growth of dark or coarse hair in a male-like pattern [6]. If you suspect you or someone else may have hypertrichosis, consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References: [1] - Context 1 [2] - Context 2 [3] - Context 3 [6] - Context 6 [8] - Context 8

Diagnostic Tests for Hypertrichosis

Hypertrichosis, also known as excessive hair growth, can be diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests.

• Blood tests: Blood tests can help identify abnormal hormone levels or other hormonal imbalances that may contribute to hypertrichosis. These tests include:
  • Free and total testosterone
  • DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate)
  • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)
• Physical examination: A focused exam by a healthcare provider can help determine the type of excessive hair growth, including its location, texture, and distribution.
• Laboratory tests: Additional laboratory tests may be necessary to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These tests include:
  • Serum prolactin or FSH: Women with hirsutism and amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) should have a serum prolactin or FSH test to evaluate for either a prolactinoma or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

It's essential to note that hypertrichosis is often diagnosed based on the individual's history and clinical presentation, rather than relying solely on laboratory tests.

References:

• [1] Testing · Free and total testosterone · DHEAS · Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
• [4] Jul 11, 2024 — Hypertrichosis is an increase in nonsexual (non-androgen dependent) hair growth beyond that expected for the patient's age, sex, race, and ethnicity.
• [6] Jul 11, 2024 — Hypertrichosis is an increase in nonsexual (non-androgen dependent) hair growth beyond that expected for the patient's age, sex, race, and ethnicity.
• [7] Tests that measure the amount of certain hormones in your blood, including testosterone or testosterone-like hormones, might help determine whether elevated hormone levels are contributing to hypertrichosis.

Treatment Options for Hypertrichosis

Hypertrichosis, also known as excessive hair growth, can be treated in various ways depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. While there is no cure for hypertrichosis, treatment options are available to manage symptoms.

• Anti-androgen therapy: For patients with androgen-dependent hirsutism, a combination of hair removal and anti-androgen therapy may be required [5].
• Hormonal treatments: In some cases, hormonal imbalances can contribute to excessive hair growth. Treatment may involve medications that regulate hormone levels [1].
• Medications for underlying conditions: If hypertrichosis is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), treatment will focus on managing the underlying disorder [3].

Important Note

It's essential to consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for individual cases of hypertrichosis. They can help identify the underlying cause and recommend the most effective treatment options.

References:

[1] Effective Removal of Excess Hair · Electrolysis · Laser surgery. [3] Oct 8, 2024 — 3 If abnormal hair growth is due to another condition, managing the underlying medical disorder is the first-line treatment. [5] Patients with androgen-dependent hirsutism require a combination of hair removal and antiandrogen therapy.

Understanding Differential Diagnosis in Hypertrichosis

Hypertrichosis, also known as werewolf syndrome, is a rare condition characterized by excessive hair growth all over the body. When diagnosing this condition, it's essential to consider differential diagnoses that can mimic or be confused with hypertrichosis.

Key Considerations:

• Hirsutism: Excessive hair growth in androgen-dependent areas, such as the beard area, is a key distinction from hypertrichosis.
• Congenital Hypertrichosis Universalis: A rare condition characterized by excessive hair growth present at birth.
• Acquired Generalized Hypertrichosis: A condition where excessive hair growth develops later in life.

Differential Diagnoses:

• Universal Hypertrichosis: A condition where excessive hair growth is present all over the body, similar to hypertrichosis.
• Ambras Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder characterized by excessive hair growth and other physical abnormalities.
• Hypertrichosis Linked to Metabolic Disorders: Certain metabolic disorders can cause excessive hair growth as a symptom.

Important Distinctions:

• Hypertrichosis is non-androgen-related, whereas hirsutism is localized to androgen-dependent areas.
• Congenital hypertrichosis universalis is present at birth, whereas acquired generalized hypertrichosis develops later in life.

References:

• [7] Two types of excessive hair disorders exist and must be distinguished. Hypertrichosis is non–androgen-related pattern of excessive hair growth ...
• [6] In hirsutism, excessive hair growth is localized to androgen-dependent areas (beard area ...
• [8] The differential diagnosis embraces diseases related to hypertrichosis in childhood including: universal hypertrichosis, Ambras syndrome, hypertrichosis linked ...
• [9] Acquired generalized hypertrichosis may be secondary to different causes, including drug side effects, metabolic and endocrine disorders ( ...