Auricular hypertrichosis

Auricular hypertrichosis
Synonyms	Hairy ears
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Excessive hair growth on the pinna of the ear
Complications	None
Onset	Puberty or later
Duration	Lifelong
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetics
Risks	Male gender
Diagnosis	Physical examination
Differential diagnosis	Hirsutism, Hypertrichosis
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Hair removal techniques such as shaving, waxing, or laser hair removal
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	More common in South Asian and Mediterranean populations
Deaths	N/A

Auricular Hypertrichosis is a rare genetic disorder characterized by an excessive growth of hair on the auricle of the ear. The condition is usually present from birth and can affect one or both ears. The hair can be of varying lengths and thicknesses, and is typically darker than the surrounding hair.

Etymology

The term "Auricular Hypertrichosis" is derived from the Latin words "auris" meaning ear, and "hypertrichosis" which is a Greek term meaning excessive hair growth.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of Auricular Hypertrichosis is the presence of excessive hair growth on the auricle of the ear. This hair growth can vary in length and thickness, and is typically darker than the surrounding hair. Other symptoms may include hearing loss or discomfort due to the excessive hair growth.

Causes

Auricular Hypertrichosis is a genetic disorder, which means it is caused by a mutation in a person's genes. The exact gene responsible for this condition is currently unknown. It is thought to be inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Auricular Hypertrichosis is typically made based on the physical appearance of the individual. A detailed medical history and physical examination are usually sufficient to diagnose the condition. Genetic testing may be used to confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific gene mutation.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for Auricular Hypertrichosis. Treatment is typically focused on managing the symptoms and improving the individual's quality of life. This may include hair removal techniques such as shaving, waxing, or laser hair removal. In some cases, surgery may be considered to remove the excessive hair growth.

See Also

• Hypertrichosis
• Genetic disorder
• Auricle (anatomy)