reduce androgen levels. Some birth control pills and spironolactone reduce androgen levels. Signs and symptoms The primary characteristic of all forms of hypertrichosis is excessive hair. Hair in hypertrichosis is usually longer than expected and may consist of any hair type (lanugo, vellus, or terminal). Patterned forms of hypertrichosis cause hair growth in patterns. Generalized forms of hypertrichosis result in hair growth over the entire body. Circumscribed and localized forms lead to hair growth restricted to a certain area. Cause Genetic Hypertrichosis lanuginosa Congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa may be caused by a paracentric inversion mutation of the q22 band of chromosome 8; however, it could also possibly be the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation rather than inheritance. This form is an autosomal (not located on the sex chromosomes) dominant cutaneous disorder, that affects the skin. Generalized hypertrichosis Congenital generalized hypertrichosis has a dominant pattern of inheritance and has been linked to chromosome Xq24-27.1. An affected female (carrying the hypertrichosis gene) has a 50% chance of passing it to her offspring. An affected male will pass this form of hypertrichosis to his daughters, but never the sons. Generalized hypertrichosis terminalis Congenital generalized hypertrichosis terminalis is thought to be caused by genetic changes on chromosome 17 resulting in the addition or removal of millions of nucleotides. The gene MAP2K6 may be a factor contributing to this condition. This condition may also be due to the change in the chromosome affecting the transcription of genes. Other hypertrichosis patterns Porphyria cutanea tarda may manifest in some patients as hypertrichosis on the face (mainly on top of the cheeks). Medical conditions Acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa is commonly present with cancer. This condition is also linked to metabolic disorders, such as anorexia, hormone imbalances, such as hyperthyroidism, or as a side effect of certain drugs. Acquired generalized hypertrichosis may be caused by cancer. The resulting hair growth is known as malignant down. The mechanism behind cancer induced hypertrichosis is unknown. Oral and topical minoxidil treatments are also known to cause acquired generalized hypertrichosis. Medications Several medications can cause generalized or localized acquired hypertrichosis including: Anticonvulsants: phenytoin Immunosuppressants: cyclosporine Vasodilators: diazoxide and minoxidil Antibiotics: streptomycin Diuretics: acetazolamide Photosensitizers: Psoralen The acquired hypertrichosis is usually reversible once these medications are discontinued. Other Unknown causes The exact genetic mutation that causes congenital circumscribed, localized, and nevoid hypertrichosis is unknown. Pathophysiology A number of mechanisms can lead to hypertrichosis. One cause