A Guide to Diagnosis and Management of Hypertrichosis

January 2025 in “ JAAD reviews. ”

Rahib K Islam, Victoria T Tong, Shari R. Lipner

hypertrichosis hirsutism topical therapies systemic therapies mechanical methods laser treatments

Studysummary This review from JAAD Reviews provides a comprehensive overview of hypertrichosis, discussing its diagnosis, treatment options like topical and laser therapies, and special psychosocial considerations for pediatric patients to better support clinicians and researchers in managing this condition.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

Hypertrichosis involves excessive hair growth and can be congenital or acquired, with the latter often due to drug reactions or medical conditions. Diagnosis requires distinguishing it from hirsutism, potentially using dermoscopy or genetic testing. Treatment includes topical and systemic therapies, mechanical methods, and laser treatments, with special considerations for children. Temporary methods like shaving and waxing are common, while laser therapies offer semi-permanent solutions. A cream with capryloyl glycine (CG) has reduced hair growth in studies with 12 and 69 patients. Bicalutamide is effective for minoxidil-induced hypertrichosis, as shown in a study with 35 patients. The guide stresses individualized, evidence-based treatment and a multidisciplinary approach, including psychological support, to improve outcomes.

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Research cited in this study

24 / 24 results

research Bicalutamide in Dermatology: A Narrative Review

1 citations , August 2024 in “Indian Dermatology Online Journal”

In this study, bicalutamide showed promise in managing female pattern hair loss and reducing minoxidil-induced hypertrichosis, though further research is necessary to refine its use and establish its role in treatment.

research Minoxidil-Induced Hypertrichosis: Pathophysiology, Clinical Implications, and Therapeutic Strategies

7 citations , August 2024 in “JAAD reviews.”

This review reports that low-dose oral minoxidil can cause hypertrichosis due to increased systemic absorption, and highlights the importance of patient-centered care to manage the psychosocial impacts of this side effect effectively.

Quantitative Measurement of Hair Diameter Diversity as a Diagnostic Indicator of Androgenetic Alopecia in Korean Males: A Cross-Sectional Study

research Quantitative Measurement of Hair Diameter Diversity as a Diagnostic Indicator of Androgenetic Alopecia in Korean Males: A Cross-Sectional Study

February 2024 in “JAAD International”

Measuring the variety in hair thickness can help diagnose male pattern baldness in Korean men.

research Unleashing the Furry Beast: Exploring the Fascinating World of Hypertrichosis Lanuginosa

July 2023 in “International journal of physiology”

This article outlines hypertrichosis lanuginosa, emphasizing its rarity, potential congenital or acquired nature, association with malignancy, challenges in diagnosis, limited treatment options, and the need for more research to understand its mechanisms.

research Hypertrichosis and Topical Corticosteroid Use

February 2022 in “Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine”

This case report observed hypertrichosis on the left forearm of an 80-year-old woman, possibly linked to her previous use of the topical steroid betamethasone butyrate propionate for dermatitis.

research A Rare Clinical Image of Hypertrichosis (Werewolf Syndrome)

January 2022 in “The Pan African medical journal”

This article discusses the rare condition of hypertrichosis, highlighting a case of a 10-year-old boy with congenital hair growth and emphasizing the need for patient support due to limited treatment options.

research Bicalutamide Improves Minoxidil-Induced Hypertrichosis in Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Retrospective Review of 35 Patients

4 citations , November 2021 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article notes that low-dose systemic minoxidil combined with antiandrogen therapy is effective for treating female pattern hair loss, though hypertrichosis can occur in a significant percentage of patients.

research Capryloyl Glycine And Soy Isoflavonoids In Hypertrichosis: An Experimental And Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study

1 citations , April 2021 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

In this placebo-controlled clinical study, a cream containing 4% capryloyl glycine and 1% glycine soy‐fermented extract effectively inhibited ODC1 activity and improved hypertrichosis in 91.7% of Caucasian female patients on the forearms, whereas no improvement was observed with the placebo.

research Assessment of the Skin Efficacy and Acceptability of a Cosmetic Product in the Treatment of Forearm Hypertrichosis in Female Patients

1 citations , December 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study found that topical application of a cosmetic formulation containing capryloyl glycine 4% significantly reduced hair growth and thickness on the forearms of female participants after 120 days, compared to placebo.

research Characterization and Management of Hypertrichosis Induced by Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil in the Treatment of Hair Loss

7 citations , September 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article describes the characteristics and management of hypertrichosis induced by low-dose oral minoxidil used for hair disorders, but reports no new clinical findings.

research The Dark Side Of Gefitinib: Reflectance Confocal Microscopy Applied To Hair Hyperpigmentation

4 citations , October 2019 in “Skin Appendage Disorders”

This case report describes the first known instance of hair and eyebrow hyperpigmentation in a patient after seven months of gefitinib treatment for non-small cell lung cancer.

research Acquired Localized Hypertrichosis Induced by Rivastigmine

3 citations , January 2016 in “Case reports in dermatological medicine”

This report discusses a case of localized hypertrichosis that developed after an elderly male with Alzheimer's disease started oral rivastigmine therapy, suggesting a potential link between the drug and hair growth.

research Congenital Generalized Hypertrichosis: The Skin as a Clue to Complex Malformation Syndromes

53 citations , August 2015 in “The Italian Journal of Pediatrics/Italian journal of pediatrics”

This review discusses congenital generalized hypertrichosis, focusing on its association with complex malformation syndromes, but it presents no new research findings.

research Answer

1 citations , April 2015 in “International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine”

This case report describes a patient with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis who developed hypertrichosis and eyelash trichomegaly, likely linked to cyclosporine-A and prednisolone therapy, with expected resolution after stopping treatment.

research Hypertrichosis and Hyperpigmentation in the Periocular Area Associated with Travoprost Treatment

January 2015 in “Annals of dermatology/Annals of Dermatology”

This report describes a case where travoprost treatment for open-angle glaucoma was associated with periocular hypertrichosis, hyperpigmentation, and eyelash growth, which gradually improved after discontinuation.

research Post-Waxing Folliculitis: A Clinicopathological Evaluation

7 citations , October 2013 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that folliculitis after waxing is more common on the proximal extremities, with one-third of cases involving a foreign body reaction resembling pseudofolliculitis.

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144 citations , March 2013 in “Circulation Research”

This study reports that mutations in the SUR2 gene are linked to Cantu syndrome, highlighting the role of KATP channels in cardiovascular health and potential new therapies.

research Cetuximab-Induced Hypertrichosis of the Scalp and Eyelashes

12 citations , February 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article discusses the use of cetuximab for recurrent squamous cell skin cancer in palliative care, noting good responses but frequent cutaneous side effects; it presents no new findings.

research Variations of Hair Follicle Size and Distribution in Different Body Sites

405 citations , January 2004 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found that hair follicle characteristics vary significantly across different body sites, with the forehead and calf showing the highest potential follicular reservoirs, challenging previous assumptions about skin appendage distribution.

research Hypertrichosis

125 citations , February 2003 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This review discusses various forms and categories of hypertrichosis, as well as methods for managing the condition, but does not report new clinical results.

research Causes and Management of Hypertrichosis

61 citations , January 2002 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

research The Biology of Hair Follicles

1113 citations , August 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

This article discusses the biologic and psychosocial significance of hair, the current limitations in hair growth drugs, and anticipates future therapies based on advancing hair follicle research.

research Diffuse Hypertrichosis During Treatment with 5% Topical Minoxidil

18 citations , January 1997 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

In this study, five women with androgenetic alopecia developed severe hypertrichosis on the face and limbs after using 5% topical minoxidil, which resolved after discontinuing the treatment.

research Increased Hair Growth Under Long-Term Tocolysis with Fenoterol Considering Testosterone, Androstanediol, Cortisol, and ACTH

9 citations , November 1980 in “Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde”

In this study, prolonged intravenous Fenoterol infusion was associated with intensive hair growth in most patients, although hormonal changes typically linked to such effects were not observed.