Hypertrichosis, a Rare Condition that Makes You Become a Werewolves

Have you ever seen someone who is almost all over his body covered with fine hair, even to the face? In the medical world, this condition is called hypertrichosis or werewolf syndrome .

Hypertrichosis is a rare condition characterized by excessive hair growth. Hair can grow very thick, it can even cover the entire body, including the face, so that sufferers look like werewolves.

Hypertrichosis can occur from birth and can also only appear as an adult. This condition can occur in women and men. This is different from hirsutism which is both an excessive hair growth, but only occurs in women and is caused by high androgen hormones.

Causes of Hypertrichosis

The cause of hypertrichosis is not known with certainty. However, experts suspect this condition occurs due to genetic mutations that stimulate excessive hair growth.

Besides that, there are also other factors that have the potential to trigger hypertrichosis, which are:

• Malnutrition (malnutrition)
• Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa.
• Certain diseases, such as cancer, acromegaly, HIV/ AIDS, dermatomyositis, and lichen simplex (neurodermatitis).
• Increased blood supply to the skin.
• Use plaster cast.
• Use of certain drugs, such as hair growth agents, antibiotics (streptomycin), androgenic steroids, immunosuppressants, and anticonvulsants (phenytoin).

Symptoms of Hypertrichosis

Hypertrichosis can occur throughout the body or only in a few areas. Excess hair owned by patients with hypertrichosis is usually one of three types of hair, namely:

<==Lanugo

Lanugo is a type of hair that is very smooth and brightly colored. Lanugo is usually found in newborns and normally will disappear by itself after a few weeks. In patients with hypertrichosis, lanugo will continue to exist if not shaved.

<=Vellus

Vellus is a type of fine hair like lanugo, but it is darker in color and shorter in size. Vellus can grow in almost all parts of the body, except the soles of the feet, behind the ears, lips, palms, and in scar tissue (scars).

<=Terminal

Terminal type hair is long, thick, and usually very dark hair, for example head hair.

Treatment for Hypertrichosis

Hypertrichosis cannot really be treated. However, there are several treatment methods that can be used to temporarily resolve it, including:

• Shaving.
• Hair removal, like waxing.
• Hair bleaching, which is the process of removing hair color, so the hair is not so visible.

Because the effect is only short-term, this treatment method must be repeated repeatedly and routinely. Plus, this method also risks causing skin irritation.

Actually, there are other methods of treating hypertrichosis that can last longer, namely electrolysis and lasers.

Electrolysis is the process of removing hair by destroying hair follicles using small electric charges. Whereas in laser treatment, hair cells will be burned and turned off with a laser beam.

Both of these treatment methods are quite effective for removing hair permanently, but need to be done repeatedly and the price is relatively expensive, especially for hypertrichosis throughout the body or over a large area.

Hypertrichosis experienced from childhood is not a dangerous condition, although it can cause insecurity and discomfort. Conversely, new hypertrichosis that occurs in adulthood needs to be aware of, because it can indicate a disorder or disease.

If you have hypertrichosis, especially if you have just experienced it as an adult, see your doctor immediately to find out the cause and get the right treatment.

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