Dorothy FarrarHypertrichose
Hair is considered an essential part of the human body. The hair protects the body from external influences such as cold, among other things. It is not uncommon for diseases to occur in the hair area. This is how hypertrichosis appears in many people .
What is hypertrichosis?
In modern medicine, increased hair growth is referred to as hypertrichosis. In the context of hypertrichosis, only a few areas of the body remain hairless. These places include the mucous membranes. The causes of hypertrichosis have been the subject of extensive investigations in recent years.
In most cases, hypertrichosis is based on a genetic predisposition. Hypertrichosis can affect both men and women.
causes
In addition to a genetic predisposition, circulatory disorders are also repeatedly responsible for the occurrence of hypertrichosis. Blood diseases can also promote the occurrence of hypertrichosis. If there is already a tumor in the skin area, this can lead to hypertrichosis.
Only in very few cases does hypertrichosis appear as a side effect of medication. For example, the drugs used to regulate blood pressure can cause hypertrichosis.
Hypertrichosis often occurs as part of scar formation . More hair can form, especially directly around the scar tissue.
According to statements by specialists, hypertrichosis can also be based on a tumor in the area of the adrenal gland. The tumor has a significant influence on the production of growth-promoting hormones. The symptoms of hypertrichosis should always be interpreted correctly.
When to the doctor?
At the first signs of hypertrichosis, a doctor’s visit is recommended. Anyone who suddenly notices increasing hair growth should discuss this with their family doctor. Other warning signs that speak for hypertrichosis: severe reddening of the skin, itching and sometimes inflammation. If these symptoms occur, this must be clarified immediately. A medical examination is necessary at the latest when the increased hair growth causes complications.
Hypertrichosis is often accompanied by a strong smell of sweat and, as a result, also by psychological problems. If the increased hair growth has led to social exclusion, a therapist should be consulted. Participation in self-help groups is also useful. At the same time, measures must be taken to reduce hair growth. Which therapy is specifically considered depends on the cause of the hypertrichosis. A doctor must determine whether, for example, a hormonal change or even another disease is the cause. A medical examination is therefore required in any case.
symptoms and course
In the run-up to hypertrichosis, the affected persons often suffer from relatively severe reddening of the skin. After the reddening occurs, small hairs initially form. Only as the disease progresses does the hair increase significantly. Based on this fact, the affected people notice severe itching after a short time .
In addition, there is increased hair growth not only in the body area. In addition to body hair, hair around the eyebrows and eyelashes also grows relatively quickly. The environment of the affected person repeatedly reacts to hypertrichosis with a particularly high degree of rejection. In most cases, this fact is based on a strong smell of sweat . The hair absorbs the existing sweat relatively easily. Early diagnosis is considered essential so that the affected persons do not suffer too much from hypertrichosis.
Diagnose
As soon as hypertrichosis is suspected, a doctor should be consulted. The treating physician conducts an informative discussion with the persons concerned. During the conversation, among other things, the point in time at which the first symptoms appeared is determined. Only when the conversation is over can the persons concerned be subjected to a physical examination.
As part of the examination, the hair in particular is examined in detail. A blood count can even be taken on the order of the doctor treating you . If there is a suspicion of a serious underlying disease, imaging methods can be used. This includes, for example, examination using an ultrasound device . Only when the doctor treating you has reliably diagnosed hypertrichosis can a detailed treatment plan be drawn up.
complications
In the case of hypertrichosis, those affected usually suffer from very strong hair growth. The hair usually grows in all regions of the body, resulting in reduced aesthetics for those affected. As a result, patients suffer from significantly reduced self-esteem and often also from inferiority complexes or depression . This can lead to teasing or bullying, especially in children, so that they need psychological treatment. If those affected shave excessively, the skin in the affected areas can be damaged.
The quality of life of the patient is relatively severely restricted and reduced by the hypertrichosis. As a rule, the disease can be treated with the help of medication. There are no particular complications. However, the drug must be taken for the entire life. In some cases, however, the disease may have another underlying condition that needs to be treated. The life expectancy of the patient is usually not negatively affected or reduced by the disease.
treatment and therapy
So that the course of hypertrichosis can be positively influenced, different therapeutic methods must be considered. If hypertrichosis is due to a tumor in the adrenal gland, for example, surgical intervention must be considered.
If drugs are responsible for the occurrence of hypertrichosis, a switch to alternative preparations is often tackled in cooperation with the treating doctor.
It is not uncommon for the medication to be discontinued completely. In addition to the therapy methods already mentioned, treatment with hormones is enjoying growing popularity.
The hormones used should, among other things, noticeably reduce the amount of male hormones in the body. In the short term, hypertrichosis can also be treated with a simple shave. If desired, an epilation can also be tackled. Hypertrichosis can often be prevented.
prevention
The occurrence of hypertrichosis is often strongly dependent on the intake of prohibited substances. For this reason, taking steroids is prohibited. All preparations that can promote hair growth should only be taken after prior consultation with a doctor. It is also advisable to have check-ups carried out at regular intervals. This is the only way to prevent hypertrichosis.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.