Hypertrichosis

Hypertrichosis is excessive hair growth. The hair can appear all over your body or in small patches. It can affect anyone — males or females.

Another name for this rare condition is werewolf syndrome.

Hypertrichosis doesn’t just change your appearance — it can also affect how you see yourself. The daily effort to manage hair can be exhausting and time-consuming. Constant shaving or removal can irritate your skin and make it hard to feel confident or relaxed throughout the day.

Treatment options are available to help you manage symptoms. A healthcare provider can work with you to find what feels right for your comfort and routine.

Types of hypertrichosis

Healthcare providers group hypertrichosis in many different ways.

First, by where the hair grows:

• Generalized hypertrichosis: Hair grows all over your body.
• Localized hypertrichosis: Extra hair grows only in certain areas.

Next, by when it starts:

• Congenital hypertrichosis: Present at birth
• Acquired hypertrichosis: Develops later in life

Last, by hair type:

• Vellus hair: Soft, fine, light-colored hair (like “peach fuzz”)
• Terminal hair: Thicker, darker hair (like the hair on your scalp or eyebrows)

Symptoms of hypertrichosis

The main symptom is more hair growth than usual. The amount and location of the extra hair depend on the type.

You might notice:

• Thick or dark hair growing in places that usually have little or no hair, like your face, back or arms
• Soft, light-colored hair (lanugo hair) that stays after birth instead of falling out
• Hair that grows faster or thicker than normal and doesn’t seem to stop or fall out
• Patches of dense hair that appear on one area, like your elbows or shoulders
• Hair growth on uncommon areas, like on your nose, ears or forehead

Some congenital types may also appear alongside:

• Facial or dental differences, like thick gums or changes in facial structure
• Bone or joint differences, like a curved spine or broader ribs

Hypertrichosis causes

There are a lot of different causes of hypertrichosis. These include:

• Present at birth: A rare change in your genes can cause this condition. It can happen if you inherit the change from a biological parent or if a new change occurs during fetal development.
• Medications: Certain medicines can cause extra hair growth. These may include minoxidil (used for hair loss), phenytoin (used for seizures), diazoxide (blood pressure medicine), steroids, antibiotics, immune system drugs and some cancer treatments.
• Health conditions: Some medical conditions can trigger excess hair growth. These include hormone changes, like low thyroid hormone or acromegaly, malnutrition or eating disorders, autoimmune diseases, like juvenile dermatomyositis, serious infections, like advanced HIV, and traumatic brain injuries.
• Cancer-related: A rare type called acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa can sometimes be an early symptom of cancer, especially lung, colon or breast cancer. It often causes sudden growth of fine, soft hair all over your body.
• Localized causes: Hair may grow in one area due to repeated rubbing or pressure, like from a cast, tight straps or carrying a heavy bag. It can also appear after a skin injury or irritation or from using certain creams or eye drops, like corticosteroids or glaucoma medicine.

Risk factors of hypertrichosis

Risk factors are things that increase your chance of developing this condition. You may be more likely to get hypertrichosis if you:

• Have a biological family history of it
• Take medications that cause it (at higher doses and longer use)
• Have certain health conditions, like thyroid conditions, eating disorders, cancer, autoimmune conditions

Complications of hypertrichosis

Because the extra hair is often easy for others to see, it’s common to feel self-conscious, anxious or stressed. Talking with a healthcare provider, counselor or someone you trust can help. Support and understanding can make a big difference in how you cope.

How doctors diagnose hypertrichosis

A healthcare provider will start by asking questions about your symptoms. They’ll want to know when the extra hair growth began. They’ll also ask about your family history, any health conditions you have and medicines you take.

Next, your provider will do a physical exam. They’ll look at where the hair grows, how thick it is and what type of hair it is. They’ll also check for other physical signs, like skin changes or facial differences, that could point to an inherited condition.

Your provider may order tests to look for what could explain the extra hair growth. These could include:

• Blood tests
• Genetic testing
• Imaging scans
• Skin biopsy

Hypertrichosis treatment

Treatment depends on what’s causing the extra hair growth. If a medication is the reason, your healthcare provider may recommend stopping it or switching to another option. Don’t stop taking any medicine unless your provider says it’s safe.

Hair removal is another way to manage this condition. Common options include:

• Shaving or waxing
• Depilatory creams (dissolve hair)
• Epilation (removes hair from the root)
• Prescription creams or pills that slow hair growth (your provider will monitor these)
• Laser hair removal
• Electrolysis

You’ll need to repeat most treatments over time. Laser hair removal and electrolysis can give longer-lasting results, but they may take several sessions to work. Your provider can help you choose the safest and most effective option for your skin and hair type.

Are there side effects of the treatment?

Hair removal can sometimes irritate your skin. Depending on the method you choose, you might notice:

• Changes in skin color
• Ingrown hairs
• Mild pain or discomfort
• Skin rashes
• Small bumps

These side effects are usually temporary. If they don’t go away or your skin becomes painful or swollen, contact your healthcare provider.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

See a healthcare provider, like a dermatologist or your primary care provider, if you notice new or unusual hair growth that doesn’t seem normal for you.

You should get checked if the hair growth is:

• Sudden
• Happens for no reason
• Affects your mental health
• Starts after you begin a new medicine

Your provider can help find out what’s causing the change and help you choose the right treatment option.

What can I expect if I have hypertrichosis?

There’s no cure for genetic cases of hypertrichosis. It’s usually harmless, though it may be difficult to manage.

If you were born with it (congenital hypertrichosis), the hair will likely keep growing even after removal. Managing it is a long-term process. But treatments can make it less noticeable.

If the condition developed later in life (acquired hypertrichosis), it may improve or go away after a diagnosis and treatment. For example, if a medicine or health problem triggered the hair growth, your provider can help adjust your care.

Living with excessive hair can be emotionally hard. You might feel frustrated or self-conscious, especially if others notice the changes. Your healthcare provider can help you find treatments and emotional support.

With the right care, most people manage hypertrichosis.

What’s the difference between hypertrichosis and hirsutism?

Both hypertrichosis and hirsutism cause extra hair growth, but they’re different conditions.

Hirsutism only affects females. It causes thick, dark hair to grow in areas where males usually grow hair — like your upper lip, chin, chest or back.

Hypertrichosis can affect anyone. The extra hair may appear in small patches or cover larger areas of your body.