Prepubertal hypertrichosis

Prepubertal hypertrichosis
SpecialtyDermatology
SymptomsExcessive hair growth all over the body in children
Differential diagnosisHirsutism

Prepubertal hypertrichosis, also known as childhood hypertrichosis, is a cutaneous condition characterized by increased hair growth, found in otherwise healthy infants and children.[1][2] Prepubertal hypertrichosis is a cosmetic condition and does not affect any other health aspect. Individuals with this condition may suffer with low self esteem and mental health issues due to societal perceptions of what a "normal" appearance should be.[2] The mechanism of prepubertal hypertrichosis is unclear, but causes may include genetics, systemic illnesses, or medications.[3][4]

A child that has prepubertal hypertrichosis

While hypertrichosis affects men and women equally, hypertrichosis of the ears, hypertrichosis of the nose, and hereditary hypertrichosis primarily affect males.[2] Prepubertal hypertrichosis can be present at birth or develop later on during childhood.[5]

Management strategies for prepubertal hypertrichosis include pharmacological therapy, drug discontinuation if caused by a drug, and chemical or physical hair removal or alteration methods.

  1. ^ Rapini, Ronald P.; Bolognia, Jean L.; Jorizzo, Joseph L. (2007). Dermatology: 2-Volume Set. St. Louis: Mosby. doi:10.5070/D39jw988tb. ISBN 978-1-4160-2999-1.
  2. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference Saleh_2022 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Klein_2015 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Gryngarten_2000 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Vashi RA, Mancini AJ, Paller AS (2001). "Primary generalized and localized hypertrichosis in children". Archives of Dermatology. 137 (7): 877–884. PMID 11453806.