Hypertrichosis - Can it be Cured?

For those individuals who suffer from Hypertrichosis, we often hear the same question, though generally asked in different ways - "Can it be cured?" Simply stated, hypertrichosis is a medical state which results in the excess growth of terminal hair in locations where hair does not generally grow. It is important to note that Hypertrichosis should not be confused with hirsutism, which is a condition where excess thick and dark hair growth is incurred in parts typically experienced for males.

Hypertrichosis may be existent over the whole body. It also could be restricted to remote patches. In a number of cases of Hypertrichosis men and women are born with it (congenital), and other cases may be "acquired" any period throughout your lifetime.

Congenital Hypertrichosis Facts

Congenital Hypertrichosis is so rare that there have been only 50 verified cases since the Middle Ages. When a fetus is developing in the womb, it is almost always covered by a fine layer of uncolored hair known as "lanugo". Shortly before birth, this hair generally falls off and it is replaced by a layer of "vellus", or body hair, and the usual terminal scalp hair.

In this particular case, the lanugo hair continues to develop and it stays on the body after birth and throughout the patient's lifetime. In similar fashion, a variation of this state is called Congenital Hypertrichosis Terminalis. In this instance, the lanugo hair is colored, or pigmented, and stays on the body after birth. In this situation, individuals who have this condition resemble werewolves or ape-men.

Another variation of Congenital Hypertrichosis is called Naevoid Hypertrichosis. In this instance, there is most often one area on the body where the excess hair is located. Furthermore, this condition has also been recognized to occur after birth, so it is not always congenital.

Acquired Hypertrichosis Facts

Now let's take a look at Acquired Hypertrichosis. This state occurs at any point after birth. In this situation, signs may incorporate the presence of unpigmented vellus hair or it may manifest itself as pigmented terminal hair. In either instance, the excess hair may cover the entire body. It might also be localized to just one area, like the eyebrows.

What Are the Causes Hypertrichosis?

Simply stated, nobody is quite sure. Some theories say that it is a genetic condition which is either inherited, or results from the spontaneous mutation of genes. Interestingly, many instances have been recorded where acquired Hypertrichosis Lanuginosa is located in people who are later diagnosed with cancer.

As this relates to mutated genes, cancer-related Hypertrichosis as a rule appears as a fine growth of hair which is normally restricted to the face, nose, and eyelids. It is important to note that scientific researchers also think that Hypertrichosis may be caused by certain metabolic disorders and by drugs such as oral phenytoin and ciclosporin.

Best Treatments for Hypertrichosis

In similar fashion, like hirsutism, hair removal techniques are the best available treatment. The best hair removal treatments include:

• Electrolysis treatments which use small charges of electricity to kill the hair follicles, or laser treatment which uses a laser beam to kill the follicles. Both of these treatments are expensive and should be only administered by trained professionals. Known side effects may include rash, skin discoloration, and scaring. Home electrolysis kits are generally ineffective.
  
• Using bleaching products to make the hair less visible. Like depilatories, you could experience a reaction, so apply a small amount as a test and wait 24 hours.
  
• Shaving the affected areas regularly to remove the hair and to avoid stubble.
  
• Using Depilatories, or hair removal creams after testing your skin's reaction by applying a small dab to the inside of your wrist and waiting for at least 24 hours to see if you have an allergic skin reaction.

Unfortunately, there are no medications available for this condition. So, if you are a Hypertrichosis sufferer, your best option is to select a favored hair removal technique and develop a plan for regular treatments.