Hypertrichosis is a skin disease that causes excessive hair growth in various parts of the body. The causes of hypertrichosis are various. In contrast to, for example, hirsutism, the increased hairiness is not the result of a hormonal disorder and also does not follow the typical hairiness patterns of men. Although the disease is not dangerous, those affected often suffer severely from the psychological point of view.
You can find detailed information on the topic here: Depilation
There are a variety of forms of hypertrichosis, each with a different appearance.
Basically one differentiates congenital and acquired hypertrichoses.
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Both congenital forms on the one hand there is the circumscribed form, the only a few areas of the body infested.
An example of this are so-called "Becker melanoses". There are some, some of them large Moles with long black hair overgrown.
On the other hand, there are also two diffuse innate forms, so forms that the entire body affect.
With one form, that remains fine hairs present before birth of the child (so-called Lanugo hair), which protects the child from birth and is then rejected, preserved on the arms and legs. Lanugo hair is mostly preserved in premature babies. The hairs are usually very fine and thin.
On the other hand, there is an innate in which the entire body covered with thicker hair is with Except for the soles of the feet and palms. This form is called "Hypertrichosis universalis congenita" designated. However, this form is very rare.
In addition to the congenital forms, there are also several acquired forms of hypertrichosis.
With some Cancers Unusual hairiness occurs as an additional complaint. The doctor speaks of so-called paraneoplastic syndromes.
Also, hypertrichosis can be a Symptom of another disease be. So go some skin diseases such as the Dermatomyositis occasionally associated with increased hair growth.
Also extreme stress can be the cause of hypertrichosis.
At severe forms of anorexia (anorexia) Occasionally, renewed hair with lanugo hairs occurs.
Antibacterial aftershave balms can also help disinfect and soothe the skin. This is especially true after hair removal. One example of this is the Dr. Severin Body After-Shave Balm from the pharmacy.
Also certain Medication can cause hypertrichosis. These drugs include, for example Streptomycin (A certain antibiotic).
Also can Psoralen lead to hypertrichosis. Psoralen is an active ingredient that is used in dermatology against psoriasis and the White spot disease („Vitiligo“) Can be used, usually combined with irradiation with UV light.
The last form is still there ethnic and family differences in the degree of hairiness. As a rule, Mediterranean skin types in particular have denser and thicker hair than northern Europeans, and these in turn have denser and thicker hair than Asians. These differences are particularly noticeable in women, but usually without any disease value.
What can you do now to get rid of the annoying hair?
There is one for that Variety of possibilities, but not all are suitable for all shapes and patients. The methods differ in effort, pain, costs, thoroughness and duration of the effect.
So here's an overview.
First you should be sure that the increased hair growth is not due to a hormonal cause.In this case, the problem can be dealt with causally, i.e. at its root. Otherwise all that remains is to remove the hair.
A distinction is made when it comes to distance short term and long term removal, also the Reduction in hair growth.
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$config[ads_text3] not foundThe following short term methods for hair removal are possible:
As permanent solutions with hypertrichosis there is Electric and needle epilation as well as the Laser treatment. Both are very time consuming and expensive.
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Another way to get rid of the annoying hairs associated with hypertrichosis is that Inhibition of hair growth.
This is possible through a certain creamthat the Active ingredient eflornithine contains. This intervenes in cell growth and slows down hair growth considerably. However, the cream must be applied twice a day and the Effect only lasts if the cream is used regularly becomes.
Unfortunately it is The result was only successful in one third of the patients, a further third have only moderate or no effect at all. Occasionally, skin irritation such as acne also occurs.
Overall is eflornithine cream especially for downy hair on the face suitable.
Besides hypertrichosis there is also Hormonal imbalancesthat become a increased hair, especially in women, to lead.
In the case of hormonal disorders, the so-called Hirsutism, is one for women increased production of actually male sex hormones in front.
Therefore, the actually very fine hair that covers everyone is turned into thicker, so-called Terminal hair transformed. These are then much more noticeable.
Unlike hypertrichosis, however, hirsutism does not affect the whole body or random areas, but rather follows the male hair type. That means, on the face, chest, and pubic area creates a thick hair.
Causes for this increased production of male sex hormones can for example hormone-producing tumors be. But also through certain drugs how Spironolactone or through Doping agents such a hormonal imbalance can be caused. Occasionally it also happens to Hormonal imbalances in postmenopausal women.
If a hormone disorder is the cause of the increased hair growth, the The cause of the problem is often treated with medication become. So-called antiandrogens are used for this, which are also found in the birth control pills occurrence.
You can find more information on this topic at Hirsutism.