Background

Condition Lookup

Sub-Category:

Hair Growth Disorders

Number of Conditions: 2

Hirsutism

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Hair and Scalp Disorders

Sub-category: Hair Growth Disorders

Symptoms:
excessive terminal hair growth in male-pattern areas (face, chest, back); often associated with acne or menstrual irregularities

Root Cause:
Androgen excess or increased sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; hormone testing (e.g., testosterone, DHEAS).

Treatment:
Address underlying cause; medications to reduce androgen production or block receptors.

Medications:
Oral contraceptives – to suppress androgens. Anti-androgens (e.g., spironolactone , finasteride ). Eflornithine cream – to reduce facial hair growth.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 5–10% of women of reproductive age.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, family history.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic condition; symptoms improve with treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cosmetic concerns; Psychological distress

Hypertrichosis

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Hair and Scalp Disorders

Sub-category: Hair Growth Disorders

Symptoms:
excessive hair growth in non-androgen-dependent areas; can be localized or generalized

Root Cause:
Congenital or acquired conditions leading to abnormal hair follicle activity.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination and review of medical history.

Treatment:
Hair removal methods (shaving, waxing, laser therapy); address underlying cause if acquired.

Medications:
None specific; treatment focuses on hair removal.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; varies based on etiology.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic mutations, medications (e.g., minoxidil, phenytoin), systemic conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; depends on underlying cause.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cosmetic concerns; Social or psychological impact