What is excessive hair?
We speak of excessive hair growth when too many and too thick hairs grow in places where normally no or only thin hairs grow. There are two forms of excessive hair growth: hypertrichosis and hirsutism. They usually occur separately, but can also occur in combination.
What is hypertrichosis?
Hypertrichosis is an increase in hair on any part of the body. The increase in hair is more than expected based on age, race or gender.
Hypertrichosis thus occurs in both men (boys) and women (girls). This is the main difference from hirsutism.
The cause of hypertrichosis is not clear, it may be congenital or may manifest later due to some disease or medication.
What is hirustism?
Hirsutism is a form of excessive hair growth in women. Here, hair growth is increased according to a male hair pattern, such as dark hair on the upper lip to beard growth. Hirsutism is common and can be caused by hormones, genetically determined or by taking medication.
