Estheticians' Guide to Hypertrichosis

This condition appears in the ASCP SkinPro app

What is Hypertrichosis?

Excessive hair growth.

What Should I Know About Hypertrichosis?

• There are two major types of hypertrichosis: congenital and acquired. 
• Congenital hypertrichosis is genetic. 
• Acquired hypertrichosis is related to drug side effects, and can be associated with some cancers. 

Some forms of congenital hypertrichosis may be associated with certain genetic internal conditions or diseases. Congenital hypertrichosis can be either generalized or localized. Generalized hypertrichosis may affect large areas of the body. There are several different types of localized hypertrichosis. It may occur on moles or in patches. Elevated testosterone is often associated with this condition.

Treatment Considerations for Hypertrichosis

• This medical condition should be monitored by a physician. 

• Excessive hair may be managed by estheticians using waxing, laser treatments, or electrolysis, depending on the state and licensure. 

• Because of possible side effects of drugs to treat conditions related to hypertrichosis, the client’s physician should approve of the type of hair removal treatment.

ASCP members can access SkinPro to continue reading about hypertrichosis

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