Pronounced: Her-soot-ism
Hirsutism is excess hair growth in women and children.
Whether or not hair growth is abnormal depends on:
True hirsutism may be due to:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors include:
Symptoms and signs of some disorders associated with hirsutism may include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:
Treatment is directed at the underlying cause of the hirsutism and may include:
These may include:
Methods of removing hair include:
Researchers are also looking into combining treatment options for patients diagnosed with hirsutism. A study published in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology found that elfornithine 13.9% cream in addition to laser treatments further reduces unwanted facial hair for up to six months. *
If you are diagnosed with a condition that may be causing hirsutism, proper treatment may resolve the hirsutism.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org/
Familydoctor.org
http://www.familydoctor.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca/english/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php/
References:
Azziz R. The evaluation and management of hirsutism. Obstet Gynecol. 2003;101:99-108.
Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment . Lange Medical Books; 2001.
Ferri's Clinical Advisor . Mosby; 2000.
Lustberg ME. Hirsutism. N Engl J Med. 2006;354:1532-1533.
*Updated Treatment section on 11/1/2007 according to the following study, as cited by DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance : Hamzavi I, Tan E, Shapiro J, Lui H. A randomized bilateral vehicle-controlled study of eflornithine cream combined with laser treatment versus laser treatment alone for facial hirsutism in women. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007;57:54-59. Epub 2007 Jan 30.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Ross Zeltser, MD, FAAD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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