Hypertrichosis is a medical condition that causes excessive hair growth. In terms of spelling, it breaks down to four syllables: hi-per-tri-cho-sis. The stress falls on the second syllable "per." IPA phonetic transcription helps to understand the pronunciation of the word, which is [haɪpərtrɪˈkoʊsɪs]. The "h" sound in the beginning suggests the word's Greek origin, where "h" is pronounced as "e," so it is pronounced as "eɪ" in English. The "ch" is pronounced as "k" in IPA, giving it the correct spelling.
Hypertrichosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive hair growth on areas of the body where hair is normally absent or minimal. It is commonly referred to as "werewolf syndrome" due to its association with excessive hair growth resembling that of a wolf. The condition can affect both males and females of any age group.
Hypertrichosis can be categorized into two types: generalized and localized. Generalized hypertrichosis involves excessive hair growth all over the body, whereas localized hypertrichosis is limited to specific regions.
The exact causes of hypertrichosis are not fully understood, though it can be congenital or acquired. Congenital hypertrichosis is present at birth and can be hereditary, resulting from genetic mutations. Acquired hypertrichosis can occur as a side effect of certain medications, hormonal imbalances, or underlying medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome or anorexia nervosa.
The treatment options for hypertrichosis depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Some methods include hair removal techniques such as shaving, waxing, tweezing, or laser therapy. In cases where hypertrichosis is caused by an underlying medical condition, treating the root cause may help manage the excessive hair growth.
While hypertrichosis does not pose any serious medical risks, it can have significant psychological effects on those affected, leading to low self-esteem, emotional distress, and social isolation. Supportive counseling and psychological therapy may be beneficial in managing the emotional impact of this condition.
A growth of hair in excess of that normal for the situation, as on the face in women or the back in men or women.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "hypertrichosis" is derived from the Greek roots "hyper", meaning "excessive" and "trichos", meaning "hair". Therefore, the term "hypertrichosis" literally translates to "excessive hair" in Greek.