Prepubertal hypertrichosis: Difference between revisions

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'''Prepubertal hypertrichosis''' is a rare condition characterized by excessive hair growth in children before the onset of puberty. This condition is not associated with the increased production of sex hormones that typically occurs during puberty. Instead, it is thought to be caused by an overproduction of hair follicles or an increased sensitivity of hair follicles to normal levels of circulating hormones.
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
==Causes==
| name            = Prepubertal hypertrichosis
 
| image          = [[File:AliceEDoherty.JPG|250px]]
The exact cause of prepubertal hypertrichosis is unknown. However, it is thought to be due to an overproduction of hair follicles or an increased sensitivity of hair follicles to normal levels of circulating hormones. Some cases have been associated with certain medications, such as minoxidil and cyclosporine. Other cases have been linked to underlying medical conditions, such as [[malnutrition]], [[hypothyroidism]], and [[Porphyria|porphyrias]].
| caption        = Alice E. Doherty, known as the "Minnesota Woolly Girl", who had prepubertal hypertrichosis
 
| synonyms        = Congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa
==Symptoms==
| specialty      = [[Dermatology]]
 
| symptoms        = Excessive hair growth
The main symptom of prepubertal hypertrichosis is excessive hair growth. This can occur anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly seen on the face, arms, and legs. The hair is usually dark and coarse. Other symptoms may include [[acne]], [[obesity]], and [[hirsutism]].
| onset          = Birth or early childhood
 
| duration        = Lifelong
==Diagnosis==
| causes          = Genetic mutation
 
| risks          = [[Social stigma]], [[psychological impact]]
Diagnosis of prepubertal hypertrichosis is based on the physical examination and the patient's medical history. Laboratory tests may be done to rule out underlying medical conditions. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to examine the hair follicles.
| diagnosis      = [[Clinical examination]], [[genetic testing]]
 
| differential    = [[Hirsutism]], [[Ambras syndrome]]
==Treatment==
| treatment      = [[Laser hair removal]], [[electrolysis (cosmetology)|electrolysis]]
 
| frequency      = Rare
Treatment for prepubertal hypertrichosis is aimed at addressing the underlying cause, if one can be identified. This may involve discontinuing a medication or treating an underlying medical condition. In some cases, hair removal techniques, such as shaving, waxing, or laser hair removal, may be used to manage the symptoms.
}}
 
'''Prepubertal hypertrichosis''' is a condition characterized by excessive hair growth in children before the onset of puberty. This condition can affect any part of the body and is not limited to areas where hair is typically found. It is important to distinguish hypertrichosis from [[hirsutism]], which is excessive hair growth in women following a male pattern.
==See also==
=== Etiology ===
Prepubertal hypertrichosis can be congenital or acquired. Congenital hypertrichosis is present at birth and can be associated with genetic syndromes. Acquired hypertrichosis can develop due to various factors, including certain medications, metabolic disorders, or as a result of malnutrition.
=== Clinical Presentation ===
Children with prepubertal hypertrichosis exhibit an abnormal amount of hair growth that is often more noticeable on the face, arms, and back. The hair is typically soft and may be pigmented or non-pigmented. The condition can be isolated or part of a syndrome.
=== Diagnosis ===
The diagnosis of prepubertal hypertrichosis is primarily clinical, based on the pattern and extent of hair growth. A thorough medical history and physical examination are essential. In some cases, additional tests may be conducted to rule out underlying conditions or syndromes.
=== Management ===
Management of prepubertal hypertrichosis focuses on addressing any underlying causes and cosmetic concerns. Options include:
* [[Laser hair removal]]
* Topical treatments
* Counseling and support for the child and family
=== Prognosis ===
The prognosis for prepubertal hypertrichosis varies depending on the underlying cause. In cases where it is part of a genetic syndrome, the prognosis is related to the overall syndrome. For isolated cases, the condition may improve with age or remain stable.
== See Also ==
* [[Hypertrichosis]]
* [[Hypertrichosis]]
* [[Hirsutism]]
* [[Hirsutism]]
* [[Hormone imbalance]]
* [[Congenital hypertrichosis]]
 
* [[Endocrinology]]
[[Category:Endocrine disorders]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Pediatric disorders]]
[[Category:Pediatrics]]
[[Category:Dermatological conditions]]
 
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Latest revision as of 05:13, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Prepubertal hypertrichosis
Synonyms Congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa
Pronounce N/A
Specialty Dermatology
Symptoms Excessive hair growth
Complications N/A
Onset Birth or early childhood
Duration Lifelong
Types N/A
Causes Genetic mutation
Risks Social stigma, psychological impact
Diagnosis Clinical examination, genetic testing
Differential diagnosis Hirsutism, Ambras syndrome
Prevention N/A
Treatment Laser hair removal, electrolysis
Medication N/A
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


Prepubertal hypertrichosis is a condition characterized by excessive hair growth in children before the onset of puberty. This condition can affect any part of the body and is not limited to areas where hair is typically found. It is important to distinguish hypertrichosis from hirsutism, which is excessive hair growth in women following a male pattern.

Etiology[edit]

Prepubertal hypertrichosis can be congenital or acquired. Congenital hypertrichosis is present at birth and can be associated with genetic syndromes. Acquired hypertrichosis can develop due to various factors, including certain medications, metabolic disorders, or as a result of malnutrition.

Clinical Presentation[edit]

Children with prepubertal hypertrichosis exhibit an abnormal amount of hair growth that is often more noticeable on the face, arms, and back. The hair is typically soft and may be pigmented or non-pigmented. The condition can be isolated or part of a syndrome.

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of prepubertal hypertrichosis is primarily clinical, based on the pattern and extent of hair growth. A thorough medical history and physical examination are essential. In some cases, additional tests may be conducted to rule out underlying conditions or syndromes.

Management[edit]

Management of prepubertal hypertrichosis focuses on addressing any underlying causes and cosmetic concerns. Options include:

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for prepubertal hypertrichosis varies depending on the underlying cause. In cases where it is part of a genetic syndrome, the prognosis is related to the overall syndrome. For isolated cases, the condition may improve with age or remain stable.

See Also[edit]

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