Prepubertal hypertrichosis: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 05:53, 16 February 2025

Prepubertal Hypertrichosis

Alice E. Doherty, known for her hypertrichosis

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

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.

Related Pages

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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.
+== Prepubertal Hypertrichosis ==
-==Causes==
+[[File:AliceEDoherty.JPG|thumb|right|Alice E. Doherty, known for her hypertrichosis]]
-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]].
+'''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.
-==Symptoms==
+=== 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.
-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]].
+=== 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==
+=== 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.
-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.
+=== 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
-==Treatment==
+=== 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.
-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.
+== Related Pages ==
-==See also==
 * [[Hypertrichosis]]
 * [[Hirsutism]]
-* [[Hormone imbalance]]
+* [[Congenital hypertrichosis]]
+* [[Endocrinology]]
-[[Category:Endocrine disorders]]
-[[Category:Pediatric disorders]]
-[[Category:Dermatological conditions]]
-{{stub}}
+[[Category:Dermatology]]
+[[Category:Pediatrics]]