Open AccessApproach to inherited hypertrichosis: A brief review
Author(s) -
Jeta Buch,
Prajnya Ranganath
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
indian journal of dermatology, venereology, and leprology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.514
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 0973-3922
pISSN - 0378-6323
DOI - 10.25259/ijdvl_629_20
Subject(s) - hypertrichosis , medicine , disfigurement , dermatology , hair growth , hirsutism , erythema , intertriginous , chin , forehead , surgery , anatomy , endocrinology , pathology , physiology , insulin resistance , disease , polycystic ovary , insulin
Hypertrichosis refers to the growth of hair, of an excessive amount and thickness, on any part of the body. It must be distinguished from hirsutism which is characterized by excess growth of hair in androgen-dependent areas on the upper lip, chin, chest, linea alba, thigh and axilla. Hypertrichosis may be localized or generalized, and congenital or acquired. Excess hair growth has a psychological impact on the child as well as the parents due to the cosmetic disfigurement it produces. Current treatment options are limited and not wholly satisfactory. Treatment should be customized according to the area, nature and amount of hair growth, age of the patient and personal preferences. In addition, when hypertrichosis occurs as a component of a syndrome, multidisciplinary management is required to address the associated systemic features. A detailed review of inherited generalized hypertrichosis is presented here with emphasis on clinical clues to identifying complex syndromes with multisystem involvement.