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Dermatology | by Dr. Poonam Jalan | Published on 28/07/2023
We live in a world dominated by delineating unreal beauty standards, it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the distinction present within every individual. Hirsutism, a condition determined by needless hair growth in females, is one instance of the different experiences that people have to experience in their journey of life.
The condition is surrounded by stigma, taboos, and delusions even after being a common condition. Several females experiencing hirsutism often cope with issues like self-esteem, isolation, etc. as societal criteria have accustomed us to believe that extra body hair is not desirable and doesn’t look attractive.
In this blog, we aim to share information about hirsutism and want to educate people that it is like any other disease that can be treated after consulting a healthcare professional. Kindly note that this write-up is only for informational purposes and recommends booking an appointment with a dermatologist in Kolkata at CMRI Hospital for diagnosis and treatment options.
Hirsutism is among the common conditions causing additional hair growth in females. It is more common in women than men. The patient might grow coarse, dark hair on their chest, abdomen, lip, cheek, chin, upper lip, and back. It is also referred to as peach fuzz sometimes as it develops in these areas commonly. This condition can lead to distress, but it is important to know that it is curable.
Hirsutism is primarily known for dark and stiff body hair whereas in general, females don’t have hairs such as the face, chest, abdomen, neck, and thighs. When the levels of androgen are excessively high, some signs and symptoms might develop over time and this process is called virilization. Here are some of the hirsutism symptoms:
There are several hirsutism causes which include:
Hirsutism diagnosis is initiated by a healthcare professional and starts by evaluating the physical examination of a patient. The doctor would want to gain information related to their past, clinical, and family history. Depending on the information, here are some of the usually recommended tests such as:
If there is no sign of endocrine disorder, then there is no need for hirsutism treatment. Here are some of the most common hirsutism treatments recommended by a doctor:
Oral contraceptives are recommended as they are for women who aren’t planning pregnancy. Second, recommended medication is anti-androgens as it helps in blocking androgens from linking to their receptors in the body. Spironolactone is the common anti-androgen drug recommended for hirsutism treatment. Lastly, the recommended option is topical cream like eflornithine for extra hair development in females. It can be directly applied to the affected area ensuring visible results of reduction in the hair growth.
Hirsutism is among the conditions that often affect females. This condition can be a symptom of underlying conditions such as PCOD, Cushing’s syndrome, an ovary disorder, etc. One must understand that unwanted hair can cause embarrassment and affect mental health. If you are diagnosed with this condition and have started to feel a sense of insecurity or are developing symptoms like anxiety or stress, then make sure to book your appointment with a dermatologist at CMRI Hospital. You will find the best diagnosis and treatment for hirsutism in this multispecialty healthcare service.
You can seek medical treatment like electrolysis and laser therapy. These are two surgical interventions that help to get rid of unwanted hair.
Yes, laser hair removal helps in managing overgrown hair without regular upkeep.
