Describe the several conditions met with.
The unnatural hair growth may be slight, as, for instance, upon a nævus (nævus pilosus); or it may be excessive, as in the so-called hairy people (homines pilosi); or it may also appear on the face, arms and other parts in females, resulting from a hypertrophy of the natural lanugo hairs.
State the causes of hypertrichosis.
Hereditary influence is often a factor; the condition may also be congenital.
If acquired, the tendency manifests itself usually toward middle life. In women, it is not infrequently associated with diseases of the utero-ovarian system; in many instances, however, there is no apparent cause. Local irritation or stimulation has at times a causative influence.
How is hypertrichosis to be treated?
For general hypertrichosis there is no remedy. Small hairy nævi may be excised, or, as also in the larger hairy moles, the hairs may be removed by electrolysis.
On the faces of women, if the hairs are coarse or large, electrolysis constitutes the only satisfactory method; if the hairs are small and lanugo-like, the operation is not to be advised. It is somewhat painful, but never unbearable. In the past several years the x-ray has been advocated by several writers, but it requires usually numerous exposures pushed to the point of producing erythema; it is not without risk, and the hairs are said to return in some months.
What temporary methods are usually resorted to for the removal of superfluous hair?
Shaving, extraction of the hairs and the use of depilatories. As a depilatory, a powder made up of two drachms of barium sulphide and three drachms each of zinc oxide and starch, is commonly (and cautiously) employed; at the time of application enough water is added to the powder to make a paste, and it is then spread thinly upon the parts, allowed to remain five to fifteen minutes, or until heat of skin or a burning sensation is felt, washed off thoroughly, and a soothing ointment applied. This preparation must be well prepared to be efficient.