Hypertrichosis is excess generalized hair growth in males and females, not localized to any body part. Hirsutism is the male-like growth of thick, coarse hair on the face, chest, and back, in women.

What is hypertrichosis?

Definition:

Hypertrichosis is excess generalized hair growth in both males and females.

Causes:

Hypertrichosis can be genetic. It can also occur secondary to malnutrition, dietary disorders like anorexia nervosa, and due to drugs like androgenic steroids and immunosuppressants. It can occur in autoimmune disorders, paraneoplastic disorders, and infectious diseases.

Symptoms:

Hypertrichosis presents with excess, abnormal hair growth. The length of the hair is longer than normal. The three types of hair seen in hypertrichosis are lanugo, vellus, and terminal. Lanugo is long, soft hair as seen in neonates; these shed on their own. Vellus is smaller, pigmented hair that appears anywhere except on mucosal surfaces, palms, and soles. Terminal hair is the most coarse and dark hair. 

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of hypertrichosis is through history, examination, and histological findings.

Treatment:

Hypertrichosis is treated by stopping androgenic drugs, and through hair removal methods like shaving, using an epilator, waxing, bleaching, electrolysis, and laser therapy.

What is hirsutism?

Definition:

Hirsutism is the male-like growth of thick, coarse hair on the face, chest, and back, in women.

Causes:

Causes of hirsutism include an excess of androgenic hormones in conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), Cushing syndrome, adrenal tumors, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and medications like minoxidil.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of hirsutism include coarse black hair in unusual places in females such as on the face, chest, and abdomen. Additional symptoms and signs with the condition include a deepening of the voice, reduction in breast size, loss of hair, acne, and increase in clitoris size.

Diagnosis:

Hirsutism is diagnosed after physical examination, blood testing for testosterone levels, and radiologic investigations to look for abdominal tumors or masses. 

Treatment:

The oral treatment options for hirsutism include contraceptive pills and anti-androgens. Topical creams such as eflornithine are prescribed for unwanted excess facial hair in women. Hair removal methods are more long-lasting than oral or topical options; these include laser therapy and electrolysis. Lastly, home remedies for hirsutism are widely used; these include hair plucking, waxing, and bleaching.

Difference between Hypertrichosis and Hirsutism

Definition:

Hypertrichosis is excess generalized hair growth in both males and females. Hirsutism is the male-like growth of thick, coarse hair on the face, chest, and back, in women.

Causes:

Hypertrichosis can be genetic. It can also occur secondary to malnutrition, dietary disorders like anorexia nervosa, and due to drugs like androgenic steroids and immunosuppressants. It can occur in autoimmune disorders, paraneoplastic disorders, and infectious diseases. Causes of hirsutism include an excess of androgenic hormones in conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), Cushing syndrome, adrenal tumors, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and medications like minoxidil.

Symptoms:

Hypertrichosis presents with excess, abnormal hair growth. The length of the hair is longer than normal. The three types of hair seen in hypertrichosis are lanugo, vellus, and terminal. Lanugo is long, soft hair as seen in neonates; these shed on their own. Vellus is smaller, pigmented hair that appears anywhere except on mucosal surfaces, palms, and soles. Terminal hair is the most coarse and dark hair. Symptoms of hirsutism include coarse black hair in unusual places in females such as on the face, chest, and abdomen. Additional symptoms and signs with the condition include a deepening of the voice, reduction in breast size, loss of hair, acne, and increase in clitoris size.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of hypertrichosis is through history, examination, and histological findings. Hirsutism is diagnosed after physical examination, blood testing for testosterone levels, and radiologic investigations to look for abdominal tumors or masses.

Treatment:

Hypertrichosis is treated by stopping androgenic drugs, and through hair removal methods like shaving, using an epilator, waxing, bleaching, electrolysis, and laser therapy. The oral treatment options for hirsutism include contraceptive pills and anti-androgens. Topical creams such as eflornithine are prescribed for unwanted excess facial hair in women. Hair removal methods are more long-lasting than oral or topical options; these include laser therapy and electrolysis. Lastly, home remedies for hirsutism are widely used; these include hair plucking, waxing, and bleaching.

Table of differences between Hypertrichosis and Hirsutism

FAQs:

Is hirsutism a type of hypertrichosis?

No, these two are distinct terms. Hirsutism is the male-like growth of thick, coarse hair on the face, chest, and back, in women. It is seen in androgen-dependent areas. Hypertrichosis is excess generalized hair growth in both males and females, not localized to any body part. 

What is the cause of both hypertrichosis and hirsutism?

Genetics.

What is meant by the terms hirsutism and hypertrichosis?

Hirsutism is the male-like growth of thick, coarse hair on the face, chest, and back, in women. It is seen in androgen-dependent areas. Hypertrichosis is excess generalized hair growth in both males and females, not localized to any body part. 

What is the difference between hirsutism and virilization?

Hirsutism is the male-like growth of thick, coarse hair on the face, chest, and back, in women. Virilization is the prominence of masculine features in women such as deepening of the voice, acne, hirsutism, increase in muscle mass, and enlargement of the clitoris.

Do people with hypertrichosis shave?

Yes of course.

Can you have hirsutism without PCOS?

Yes, hirsutism can occur in other conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

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