Hypertrichosis, a syndrome that makes a person look like a wolf

In the medical world, all over the hair that grows dense beyond normal limits is a disorder called hypertrichosis or also known as werewolf syndrome. What causes it and how to solve it?

What is werewolf syndrome (hypertrichosis)?

Hypertrichosis (hypertrichosis) is a rare disorder characterized by excessive and rapid growth of hair all over the body, even covering the face. Hypertrichosis can appear at birth or develop over time.

Both men and women can develop hypertrichosis.

Types of hypertrichosis

• Congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa. It first appears as fine hair that grows normally at birth. However, after weeks, this hair does not disappear, it continues to grow in various places on the baby's body.
• Terminalis congenital hypertrichosis. Abnormal hair growth starts at birth and continues throughout a person's life. This hair is usually long and thick, covering the face and body.
• Nevoid hypertrichosis. Excessive hair growth of any kind is visible in designated areas. In some cases, more than one hair.
• Hirsutism. This form of hypertrichosis only occurs in women, characterized by the growth of dark and thick hair on parts of a woman's body that normally don't have hair, such as the face, chest, and back.
• Acquired hypertrichosis. This condition tends to develop later in life. Excess dense hair can grow confined to a small area of ​​the body or all over the body.

Causes of hypertrichosis

Most werewolf syndrome cases are caused by genetic mutations in carrier genes that stimulate hair growth.

This genetic mutation leaves cells that normally kill hair growth in unusual areas, such as the eyelids and forehead, left in an activated state.

In the case of female hirsutism, dense hair growth on the body is caused by a genetic inheritance that causes an overproduction of androgens (male sex hormones).

If your mother or older sister has this condition, then you will most likely develop hirsutism.

Other causes include the following.

• Malnutrition.
• Poor diet or certain eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa.
• Certain medications, such as hair growth drugs, certain immunosuppressants, and androgenic steroids.
• Cancer and cell mutations.
• Autoimmune and infectious diseases that affect the skin.

Sometimes, skin conditions that become very sensitive to UV rays (porphyria cutanea tarda) can also trigger hypertrichosis.

If hypertrichosis occurs only in certain places on the body, it may be due to a chronic skin condition, such as lichen simplex, which is associated with recurring rashes, itching, and certain skin scratches.

Increased blood supply in one particular area of ​​the body can also cause the condition. Sometimes, hypertrichosis symptoms appear in the area where a person is wearing a plaster cast. This condition can also be a side effect of anti-balding medications.

Several other cases occurred for no known reason.

Symptoms of hypertrichosis

Hypertrichosis can occur at birth or develop at a later date. Common symptoms of hypertrichosis are problems with your gums or teeth. Some of your teeth may be missing or your gums may be enlarged.

Women with hirsutism develop stiff black hair such as those on the face, chest, and back. Hypertrichosis usually produces one of three types of hair as follows.

• Vellus: this hair type is generally short (less than 0.2 cm long) and is not clearly visible. This type of hair can be found in almost any part of the body except the soles of the feet, backs of the ears, lips, and palms of the hands, or on scar tissue.
• Lanugo: This type of hair is very soft and silky, like on the body of a newborn. Usually lacks pigment. Most babies lose lanugo within days or weeks of birth.
• Terminal: Hair long and thick, and usually very dark.

Treatments for hypertrichosis

You can't do anything to prevent this form of congenital disease. The risk of certain forms of hypertrichosis can be lowered by avoiding certain medications, such as minoxidil.

Treating hypertrichosis is by removing hair through various short-term methods, including:

• Shave
• Waxing
• Pull out
• Hair bleaching

All of these methods are temporary solutions. It also runs the risk of causing painful or uncomfortable skin irritation. In some parts of your body it may not be easy to do this method.

Long-term treatments include electrolysis and laser surgery. Electrolysis is the destruction of hair follicles with a small electric charge.

Laser surgery involves applying a special laser beam to several hairs at once. However, hair loss can often be permanent with this treatment.