Hypertrichosis

Hypertrichosis describes hair growth on the body in an amount which is considered abnormal. There are two distinct types of hypertrichosis: generalized hypertrichosis, which occurs over the entire body, and localized hypertrichosis, which is restricted to a certain area. Hypertrichosis is either congenital (present at birth), or acquired later in life. The excess growth of hair occurs in areas of the skin with the exception of androgen-dependent hair of the pubic area, face, and axillary regions.

Hirsutism

Hirsutism (from Latin hirsutus = shaggy, hairy) is the excessive and increased hair growth on female humans in those parts of the body where terminal hair does not normally occur or is minimal – for example, a beard or chest hair. It refers to a male pattern of body hair (androgenic hair) and it is therefore primarily of cosmetic and psychological concern. Hirsutism is a symptom rather than a disease and may be a sign of a more serious medical condition, especially if it develops well after puberty.

Hair, Excessive Growth (Hypertrichosis)

Hypertrichosis describes hair growth on the body in an amount which is considered abnormal. There are two distinct types of hypertrichosis: generalized hypertrichosis, which occurs over the entire body, and localized hypertrichosis, which is restricted to a certain area. Hypertrichosis is either congenital (present at birth), or acquired later in life. The excess growth of hair occurs in areas of the skin with the exception of androgen-dependent hair of the pubic area, face, and axillary regions.

Several circus sideshow performers in the 19th and early 20th centuries, such as Julia Pastrana, suffered from hypertrichosis. They were usually displayed as “freaks” and promoted as having distinct human and animal traits. More extensive cases of hypertrichosis have been informally called werewolf syndrome.