Prepubertal hypertrichosis | |
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Specialty | Dermatology |
Symptoms | Excessive hair growth all over the body in children |
Differential diagnosis | Hirsutism |
Prepubertal hypertrichosis, also known as childhood hypertrichosis, is a cutaneous condition characterized by increased hair growth, found in otherwise healthy infants and children. [1] [2] Prepubertal hypertrichosis is a cosmetic condition and does not affect any other health aspect. Individuals with this condition may suffer with low self esteem and mental health issues due to societal perceptions of what a "normal" appearance should be. [2] The mechanism of prepubertal hypertrichosis is unclear, but causes may include genetics, systemic illnesses, or medications. [3] [4]
While hypertrichosis affects men and women equally, hypertrichosis of the ears, hypertrichosis of the nose, and hereditary hypertrichosis primarily affect males. [2] Prepubertal hypertrichosis can be present at birth or develop later on during childhood. [5]
Management strategies for prepubertal hypertrichosis include pharmacological therapy, drug discontinuation if caused by a drug, and chemical or physical hair removal or alteration methods.
Prepubertal hypertrichosis is characterized by an excess of hair growth, seen during birth and progressing during childhood. [3] [6] In generalized hypertrichosis, excessive hair growth occurs all over the body, whereas in localized hypertrichosis, excessive hair growth only occurs in certain areas of the body. [2] One example of localized, or circumscribed, prepubertal hypertrichosis is lumbosacral hypertrichosis, or faun tail nevus. [3] The pattern of hair growth in generalized prepubertal hypertrichosis predominates the face, back, and limbs. [6] Importantly, this is unique from excessive hair growth patterns in hirsutism. [6]
Hypertrichosis itself is benign, but presents a cosmetic issue that may lead to psychosocial problems. [5] [7] As the child grows up, the hair growth may resume, increase, or decrease. [8] However, overall growth patterns and progression may vary based on the classification of hypertrichosis, as well as its association with other disorders. [7]
The precise causes and mechanism of prepubertal hypertrichosis is subject to more intense research, yet it is known that it typically does not result from increased androgen levels, which is a significant characteristic of hirsutism. [9] It is termed "prepubertal" because it occurs before the typical age or onset of puberty and is thus not due to normal hormonal changes that typically occur during puberty. [10] Even though the onset can occur at birth or in childhood, the excessive hair growth can continue onwards into adulthood. [11] Prepubertal hypertrichosis on its own is a relatively rare condition. [12]
Reports of prepubertal hypertrichosis can be attributed to a variety of factors such as it being an adverse effect of various medications, or even having an infection, genetic disorder, metabolic disorder, or eating disorders (particularly anorexia nervosa). [9] [12] Since hypertrichosis can be present at birth or occur during childhood, it is suggested for an expecting parent to discuss the medications that they are taking or planning to take with their physician first since possible side effects may arise among themself or for their developing baby. [9] It is also important for them to refrain from consuming alcohol during pregnancy as it can put the baby at risk for adverse effects such as increasing the risk for prepubertal hypertrichosis. [9] Therefore, adverse effects to the baby can occur due to a medication or alcohol intake, which could lead to the possible development of hypertrichosis. [9] Prepubertal hypertrichosis does not necessarily correlate with a serious underlying condition, as it can be seen in children who do not present with any conditions. [10] However, there is still a possibility that other underlying conditions can be associated in cases where prepubertal hypertrichosis is identified. [13] For instance, leprechaunism has the possibility to be present with hypertrichosis in those born with less fat, though a proper diagnosis would need to be done. [9]
There is limited research available to fully understand the pathophysiology of prepubertal hypertrichosis and mechanism of hair growth in this condition, but a potential pathway in some is attributed to increased concentrations of testosterone in the body. [2] The elevated testosterone levels can lead to excessive hair growth all over the body during childhood, with the most affected areas being the face, back, and areas closer to the trunk of the body. [2] Although the mechanism is not yet clear, some medications can cause hypertrichosis. [14] Minoxidil and cyclosporine are some examples of medications that can cause hypertrichosis. [14]
There is no clear identifiable cause for most cases of prepubertal hypertrichosis. [4] Prepubertal hypertrichosis may be due to genetics, systemic illnesses, or medications. [3] [4]
Listed below are some genetic syndromes that are currently known to cause hypertrichosis: [2]
Listed below are some systemic illnesses that are currently known to cause hypertrichosis: [2]
Listed below are some medications that are currently known to cause hypertrichosis: [2]
In addition, there are two prominent mechanisms that are currently being used to explain the development of hypertrichosis in individuals. [16]
The first proposed mechanism states that the excessive hair growth is due to the conversion of vellus hair (peach fuzz) to terminal hair (thick and dark). [16] This can be compared to terminal hair replacing vellus hair which occurs during puberty due to an increase in androgen production. [17] [18] However the vellus to terminal hair conversion in hypertrichosis has yet to be fully understood. [16]
The second proposed mechanism involves the hair follicle growth cycle. Human hair follicles follow a growth cycle that has three stages: anagen, catagen, and telogen. [16] Active growth of the hair follicle occurs during the anagen phase. During the catagen phase, the hair follicle undergoes a process to prepare for hair shedding. The telogen phase is when hair shedding occurs. The hair follicle growth cycle varies by person and by body location of hair growth. [16] Hypertrichosis is said to occur when hair follicles are in the anagen phase longer than normal for their particular hair location. [16]
Despite the known mechanisms, there is currently little understanding as to what triggers them. [16]
In order to give the correct diagnosis of hypertrichosis, health care providers must determine if the excess hair growth is truly due to hypertrichosis or if it is due to different conditions such as hirsutism. [9] [2] While both conditions cause excessive hair growth, hirsutism and hypertrichosis differ based on location of hair growth and the dependence of the endocrine hormone androgen. [9] [2] [19] [3] Hirsutism is defined as excessive hair growth that is limited to androgen dependent areas. [9] [2] [19] [3] Examples of androgen dependent areas include the chin, upper lip, chest, abdomen, back, and anterior thighs. [19] [20] On the other hand, hypertrichosis is defined as excessive hair growth anywhere on the body and is independent of androgen. [3]
In addition, hypertrichosis is a condition that affects both males and females while hirsutism is primarily used to describe "male-like pattern terminal hair growth in women within androgen-dependent sites". [2]
Listed below are aspects that physicians take into consideration when determining the classification of hypertrichosis: [2]
Hypertrichosis diagnosis can be further specified by different classifications. These classifications can be distinguished from one another based on "type of hair, age of onset, distribution of hair, and location of hair growth." [2]
Prepubertal hypertrichosis can be associated with other syndromes or diagnosed in isolation. [7] Isolated congenital generalized hypertrichosis includes monogenic disorders: hypertrichosis lanuginosa congenita and hypertrichosis congenita terminalis. [7] Syndromic congenital generalized hypertrichosis includes monogenic and chromosomal disorders. [7] The monogenic disorders may be further distinguished by autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and X-linked disorders. [7]
Isolated congenital hypertrichosis | ||
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Hypertrichosis lanuginosa congenita: lanugo hair growth all over the body, excluding the palms, soles, and mucous membranes, growing up to 3–5 cm. [21] | ||
Hypertrichosis congenita terminalis: terminal hair growth all over the body, excluding the palms, soles, and mucous membranes. [22] It is often associated with gingival hyperplasia. [22] | ||
Syndrome-associated congenital hypertrichosis | ||
Monogenic | Chromosomal | |
Autosomal dominant |
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Autosomal recessive |
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X-linked |
Congenital [7] | Acquired (potential sources) [7] |
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In 2020, a case study reported that a Caucasian child developed two patches of hypertrichosis at the sites of vaccine injection for Diphtheria-Tetanus-acellular Pertussis-poliovirus (DTPa-IPV) and chicken pox. [24] After the vaccines were given, the child had developed erythema, swelling, and itch at the two sites, and the hypertrichosis was reported 6 months later. [24]
Several case studies have reported hypertrichosis in children after the application of casts. One study done in 2012 identified a significant number of cases of hypertrichosis in a group of 117 patients, ages ranging from 3 to 91 years old after application of casts. [25]
People with prepubertal hypertrichosis can experience widespread hair growth all throughout the body that can become prominent during childhood. [2] The impact that prepubertal hypertrichosis can have on the individual as well as their family can be difficult, although it is important to note that there are a variety of possible treatment options for these individuals in regards to removing hair. [5] In addition to cosmetic treatments, it is also important to consider psychological care as individuals with the condition may be struggling with their mental health due to their appearance. [2]
The degree and type of management depends on the age of the child, the severity and location of the hypertrichosis, and the psychosocial needs of the child, their family, and society. The management strategies for controlling and removing the excessive hair growth include physical management strategies such as shaving, trimming, waxing, and tweezing, chemical strategies such as bleaching or use of chemical depilatories, the use of light sources in laser hair removal, intense pulse light therapy, and electrolysis. [5] More specifically, depilation temporarily removes hairs from the surface while epilation removes hairs from their bulb. [3] The management options vary in effectiveness, cost, and adverse effects such as pain, skin irritation, and distorted hair regrowth. [5]
Depilation methods include shaving and chemical depilatories. Shaving does not affect the growth rate or diameter of the individual hairs. However, it can appear thicker and more coarse than before due to the hair having a blunt tip after shaving. [26] While inexpensive, shaving can cause irritation, folliculitis, and ingrown hairs. [5] [27] Chemical depilatories use sulfides, thioglycolates, or enzymatic depilatory agents which dissolve hairs by breaking the disulfide bonds in keratin which normally keep hair strong and healthy. [26] Chemical depilatories are painless and easy to use, coming in many forms such as powders, creams, and lotions. Sulfides are effective and work fast but can also produce hydrogen sulfide which has an unpleasant odor and can cause irritant contact dermatitis. Enzymatic depilatory agents do not produce an unpleasant odor and are nonirritating, but they also have not been found to be effective. Therefore, most chemical depilatories use thioglycolates. which work slower in comparison to sulfides but are less odiferous and irritating. [5]
Epilation methods include waxing, tweezing/plucking, laser hair removal, intense pulse light therapy, and electrolysis. Waxing is commonly used in larger areas and temporarily removes hair for about 2 to 6 weeks. Waxing can cause skin irritation, scars, folliculitis, and thermal injury due to the hot wax, and repeated waxing can reduce hair regrowth over time. [26] Tweezing or plucking hair is best for smaller areas and can remove hair for 2 to 12 weeks. [27] Tweezing is inexpensive and causes minimal skin damage, but it also takes the most time and can cause pain in sensitive areas. [26]
Laser hair removal uses red to near-infrared light (600-1100 nm) to remove hair. The light is absorbed by melanin in the hair which heats and damages the hair follicles to remove it. Laser hair removal has found to delay hair regrowth by up to 3 months. [28] Laser hair removal can cause redness, edema, first to second degree burns, skin damage, and pigmentation. [26] Those with darker skin types are at greater risk for dyspigmentation and scarring, because they have higher melanin content. [28]
Intense pulse light therapy (IPL) uses polychromatic light to cause permanent hair removal. The melanin found in hair absorbs these long wavelengths of light (590-900 nm) which are converted into heat to cause the destruction of the hair bulb to permanently remove the hair. [29] The choice of wavelength depends on a person's skin type and skin condition. [30] IPL is ideal for larger areas and can cause pain, edema, erythema, and pigmentation. While this option is less expensive than laser hair removal, it is also less effective and therefore, requires more treatment sessions. [26]
There are three different types of electrolysis: galvanic, thermolysis, and blend. Galvanic electrolysis uses a needle to directly deliver the electrical current to the hair follicle. The current has a corrosive effect, destroying the hair via production of sodium hydroxide. [5] While galvanic electrolysis is the more effective than thermolysis, it also is slower. [26] Thermolysis uses a high-frequency alternating current which produces heat to destroy the hair bulb. Thermolysis is less effective in thicker hairs and those with curved follicles. [5] Blend electrolysis combines both galvanic and thermolysis and is the most effective version of electrolysis. Electrolysis in general can cause pain, hyperpigmentation, and scarring, but galvanic electrolysis has the most severe of the side effects. [26]
Bleaching is an alternative management strategy. While bleaching does not remove hair or prevent is growth, it can lighten the appearance of hairs by removing the hair's natural pigment. The hydrogen peroxide in bleach helps to soften and oxidize the hairs to turn it into a yellowish hue. Bleaching is quick, easy, and painless, only causing some skin irritation. Additionally, the effects of bleaching can last up to 4 weeks. [5]
Eflornithine hydrochloride 13.9% cream (Vaniqa®) is a topical prescription medication that has been approved by the FDA as a treatment to reduce hair growth. [31] Eflornithine irreversible inhibits ornithine decarboxylase which is an important enzyme involved in hair growth. [5] Elfornithine does not remove hair through epilation or depilation but rather slows hair growths. Some side effects of eflornithine cream include acne, folliculitis, stinging or burning, skin irritation, redness, itching, and dizziness. Eflornithine cream is not meant to be used alone and is recommended to be combined with another hair removal technique. [26] The FDA only approved elfornithine cream for use on the face and other adjacent areas under the chin, and not the entire body. [31]
If the cause of hypertrichosis was due to a particular medication, the discontinuation of said medication usually reverses the effects of excessive hair growth. [2]
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. The syndrome is named after cysts which form on the ovaries of some people with this condition, though this is not a universal symptom, and not the underlying cause of the disorder.
Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is a long-term skin condition that occurs when dead skin cells and oil from the skin clog hair follicles. Typical features of the condition include blackheads or whiteheads, pimples, oily skin, and possible scarring. It primarily affects skin with a relatively high number of oil glands, including the face, upper part of the chest, and back. The resulting appearance can lead to lack of confidence, anxiety, reduced self-esteem, and, in extreme cases, depression or thoughts of suicide.
Hirsutism is excessive body hair on parts of the body where hair is normally absent or minimal. The word is from early 17th century: from Latin hirsutus meaning "hairy". It usually refers to a male pattern of hair growth in a female that may be a sign of a more serious medical condition, especially if it develops well after puberty. Cultural stigma against hirsutism can cause much psychological distress and social difficulty. Discrimination based on facial hirsutism often leads to the avoidance of social situations and to symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Electrology is the practice of electrical hair removal to permanently remove human hair from the body. Electrolysis is the actual process of removing hair using electricity.
Hair removal, also known as epilation or depilation, is the deliberate removal of body hair or head hair.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a technology used by cosmetic and medical practitioners to perform various skin treatments for aesthetic and therapeutic purposes, including hair removal, photorejuvenation as well as to alleviate dermatologic diseases such as acne. IPL is increasingly used in optometry and ophthalmology as well, to treat evaporative dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction.
Laser hair removal is the process of hair removal by means of exposure to pulses of laser light that destroy the hair follicle. It had been performed experimentally for about twenty years before becoming commercially available in 1995 and 1996. One of the first published articles describing laser hair removal was authored by the group at Massachusetts General Hospital in 1998. Laser hair removal is widely practiced in clinics, and even in homes using devices designed and priced for consumer self-treatment. Many reviews of laser hair removal methods, safety, and efficacy have been published in the dermatology literature.
A bearded lady is a woman with a naturally occurring beard normally due to the condition known as hirsutism or hypertrichosis. Hypertrichosis causes people of either sex to develop excess hair over their entire body, while hirsutism is restricted to females and only causes excessive hair growth in the nine body areas mentioned by Ferriman and Gallwey.
Keratosis pilaris is a common, autosomal-dominant, genetic condition of the skin's hair follicles characterized by the appearance of possibly itchy, small, gooseflesh-like bumps, with varying degrees of reddening or inflammation. It most often appears on the outer sides of the upper arms, thighs, face, back, and buttocks; KP can also occur on the hands, and tops of legs, sides, or any body part except glabrous (hairless) skin. Often the lesions can appear on the face, which may be mistaken for acne or folliculitis.
Hyperandrogenism is a medical condition characterized by high levels of androgens. It is more common in women than men. Symptoms of hyperandrogenism may include acne, seborrhea, hair loss on the scalp, increased body or facial hair, and infrequent or absent menstruation. Complications may include high blood cholesterol and diabetes. It occurs in approximately 5% of women of reproductive age.
Hypertrichosis is an abnormal amount of hair growth over the body. The two distinct types of hypertrichosis are generalized hypertrichosis, which occurs over the entire body, and localized hypertrichosis, which is restricted to a certain area. Hypertrichosis can be either congenital or acquired later in life. The excess growth of hair occurs in areas of the skin with the exception of androgen-dependent hair of the pubic area, face, and axillary regions.
Finasteride, sold under the brand names Proscar and Propecia among others, is a medication used to treat pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. It can also be used to treat excessive hair growth in women. It is usually taken orally but there are topical formulations for patients with hair loss, designed to minimize systemic exposure by acting specifically on hair follicles.
Vellus hair is short, thin, light-colored, and barely noticeable hair that develops on most of a human’s body during childhood. Exceptions include the lips, the back of the ear, the palm of the hand, the sole of the foot, some external genital areas, the navel, and scar tissue. The density of hair – the number of hair follicles per area of skin – varies from person to person. Each strand of vellus hair is usually less than 2 mm long and the follicle is not connected to a sebaceous gland.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is a type of irritant folliculitis that commonly affects men who have curly or coarse facial hair. It occurs when hair curls back into the skin after shaving, causing inflammation, redness, and bumps. This can lead to ingrown hairs, scarring, and skin discoloration. PFB can be treated with various methods, including changing shaving habits, using topical creams or ointments, and undergoing laser hair removal. Prevention measures include proper shaving techniques, using sharp razors, and avoiding too close a shave.
The management of hair loss, includes prevention and treatment of alopecia, baldness, and hair thinning, and regrowth of hair.
A comedo is a clogged hair follicle (pore) in the skin. Keratin combines with oil to block the follicle. A comedo can be open (blackhead) or closed by skin (whitehead) and occur with or without acne. The word "comedo" comes from the Latin comedere, meaning "to eat up", and was historically used to describe parasitic worms; in modern medical terminology, it is used to suggest the worm-like appearance of the expressed material.
Body hair, or androgenic hair, is terminal hair that develops on the human body during and after puberty. It is different from head hair and also from less visible vellus hair, which is much finer and lighter in colour. Growth of androgenic hair is related to the level of androgens and the density of androgen receptors in the dermal papillae. Both must reach a threshold for the proliferation of hair follicle cells.
Pattern hair loss (also known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA)) is a hair loss condition that primarily affects the top and front of the scalp. In male-pattern hair loss (MPHL), the hair loss typically presents itself as either a receding front hairline, loss of hair on the crown (vertex) of the scalp, or a combination of both. Female-pattern hair loss (FPHL) typically presents as a diffuse thinning of the hair across the entire scalp.
Supernumerary nipples–uropathies–Becker's nevus syndrome is a skin condition that may be associated with genitourinary tract abnormalities. Supernumerary nipples, also referred to as polythelia or accessory nipples, is a pigmented lesion of the skin that is present at birth. This pigmentation usually occurs along the milk lines, which are the precursors to breast and nipple development. Clinically, this congenital condition is generally considered benign, but some studies have suggested there may be an association with kidney diseases and cancers of the urogenital system.
The HAIR-AN syndrome is a rare subtype of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) characterized by hyperandrogenism (HA), insulin resistance (IR) and acanthosis nigricans (AN). The symptoms of the HAIR-AN syndrome are largely due to severe insulin resistance, which can be secondary to blocking antibodies against the insulin receptor or genetically absent/reduced insulin receptor number/function. Insulin resistance leads to hyperinsulinemia which, in turn, leads to an excess production of androgen hormones by the ovaries. High levels of androgen hormones (hyperandrogenism) in females causes excessive hair growth, acne and irregular menstruation. Patients with both underlying mechanisms of insulin resistance may have more severe hyperandrogenism. Insulin resistance is also associated with diabetes, heart disease and excessive darkening of the skin