Acquired Generalized Hypertrichosis Due to Diazoxide
February 2013
in “
Actas dermo-sifiliográficas/Actas dermo-sifiliográficas
”
TLDR A 6-year-old boy developed excessive hair growth after taking diazoxide for low blood sugar.
A 6-year-old boy developed acquired generalized hypertrichosis after being treated with diazoxide for hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy. The hypertrichosis, which predominantly affected his face, trunk, and limbs, began a few months after starting the full dose of diazoxide. Blood tests and serology were normal, ruling out other systemic diseases. The condition is thought to be related to the activation of ATP-dependent potassium channels, which lengthen the anagen phase of hair follicles. This side effect is more common in children due to the prolonged use of diazoxide for maintenance treatment. Treatment options include cosmetic hair removal and the use of topical agents like eflornitine cream.