Hypertrichosis Syndrome: Meaning, Types, Symptoms and Treatments

SAFALTA EXPERT Published by: Vaibhav Bhardwaj Updated Sat, 26 Nov 2022 01:07 PM IST

Hypertrichosis Syndrome , which is also known as werewolf syndrome, is a Rare condition which results in excessive unwanted hair growth on the human body. It could be on both men and Women both. The unwanted hair growth could be on the Face and body or it could also occur in small patches. It is very rare. There are less than 50 cases worldwide of Hypertrichosis syndrome. Also, Hypertrichosis has no cure, and there is nothing to do to prevent the congenital form of the disease. 

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Hypertrichosis vs Hirsutism

In Hypertrichosis, Hair growth could be on any part of the body and it could be on both Men and Women both but Hirsutism is a term in which there is unwanted hair growth on the face and androgen-dependent sites and it is a term that is used for Women only.

Symptoms  of Hypertrichosis Syndrome

The primary symptom of Hypertrichosis Syndrome is the presence of excessive amounts of hair that is unusual for a particular age, gender and caste.

There are mainly three types of hair that grow in Hypertrichosis Syndrome ;

         1.  Lanugo 

  • Lanugo is a type of hair found on the body of newly born babies 

  • In this type Hairs that are grown are very Soft, Thin, and Long. 

  • The Hair that grows up in this condition usually falls out in a few weeks 

  • In the case of  Hypertrichosis Syndrome, the hair falls out after the treatment.
    2. Vellus 

  • Vellus hair is usually soft, short, and faintly pigmented 

  • It is found all over the body except mucous membranes which include the nose, mouth, lungs, stomach, Soles of the feet, and palm of the hands.
    3. Terminal  

  • These hairs are usually thick, rough, and long

  • It is the darkest among all the types

Women with hirsutism will often develop terminal hair on the face, back, arms, and chest.
 

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Types of Hypertrichosis Syndrome

  1. Congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa

It first seems to be Lanugo in which Hairs are Soft, Thin and Long, just like a newly born baby. But instead of falling off, it subsequently gets thick and starts growing on other body parts also 

       2. Congenital hypertrichosis terminalis

It starts with the growth of abnormal hairs in the beginning and very long and thick hairs throughout a person's life. It primarily covers the face of a person.

      3. Nevoid hypertrichosis

Hair growth is excessive and any kind of hair appears. In many cases, patches are also found on various body parts.

      4. Hirsutism

It is majorly found in women only. It results in the growth of thick and Dark hairs on the body parts where the hairs are not found usually like the Face chest and back.

      5. Acquired hypertrichosis

In this type, the Hair which is grown is of Vellus and Terminal hairs. Excessive hairs may grow in small patches or on all hair-growing areas of a person’s body.

 

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Causes of this syndrome

  • The causes of hypertrichosis aren’t well understood, though It is natural for babies to be covered in lanugo, especially in the cases of prematurity the recurrence of the Lanugo in an Adult is unnatural and is a sign of Hypertrichosis.

  •  Lanugo and vellus hairs are similar in appearance, and it can be easy to confuse them. One way to tell whether someone is developing adult lanugo as a symptom of a health condition is to check for the growth of fine hairs in places where they did not grow before, such as on the face or hands.

Treatment of Hypertrichosis Syndrome

Hypertrichosis Syndrome is not a curable disease but there are some precautions and treatments which could be done for a temporary result 

Following are some treatments which could be done ;

  • Waxing 

  • Regular Shaving

  • Plucking

  • Hair bleaching 

  • Chemical epilation

Hypertrichosis Syndrome , which is also known as werewolf syndrome , is a condition which is Rare condition which results in excessive unwanted hair growth on the human body. It could be on both men and Women both.
 

Difference between Hypertrichosis and Hirsutism?

In Hypertrichosis , Hair growth could be on any part of the body and it could be on Man and Women both but Hirsutism is a term in which there is an unwanted hair growth on face and androgen dependent sites and it is a term which is used for Women only .

what are the Symptoms of Hypertrichosis Syndrome

The primary symptom of Hypertrichosis Syndrome are presence of excessive amounts of hair that is unusual in a particular age, gender  and caste.

There are mainly three types of hair that grows in the Hypertrichosis Syndrome ;

1. Lanugo 
2. Vellus 

3. Terminal  

What are the Types of Hypertrichosis Syndrome

There are mainly 5 types of Hypertrichosis Syndrome

1. Congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa
2. Congenital hypertrichosis terminalis
3. Hirsutism
4. Acquired hypertrichosis
5. Nevoid hypertrichosis

what are the Treatments of Hypertrichosis Syndrome

  • Waxing 

  • Regular Shaving

  • Plucking

  • Hair bleaching 

  • Chemical epilation

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