[Hypertrichosis and hirsutism].

Abstract

Facial hypertrichosis and hirsutism may cause severe cosmetic and psychologic problems. There are several therapeutic options, both on the cosmetic and medical level. Hirsutism with androgen-excess should be diagnosed and treated by gynecologists. Although frequently used, systemic antiandrogens have not yet proven their efficacy against unwanted hypertrichosis in clinical studies using modern and objective endpoints. Conventional methods of hair removal include plucking, waxing and chemical depilation by thiogycolates, as well as electrolysis and thermolysis. A new medical treatment of hypertrichosis is eflornithine cream. It inhibits the enzyme ornithine-decarboxylase which is essential for the rapidly dividing cells of the hair follicle. Permanent depilation by photothermolysis with lasers and pulsed flash-light systems is currently the most promising treatment.