Targeting hirsutism: a new approach

Hirsutism, the appearance of facial hair on women in a male pattern distribution, is a problem with potential medical, social, and psychological implications for millions of women. Hirsutism can reflect the presence of an underlying systemic disease, namely one that results in hyperandrogenic states, or it may seem to be idiopathic. Many methods of treatment have been used over the years, from pharmacological and surgical treatment for underlying disease to mechanical means of hair removal. We discuss hirsutism and review the clinical experience with a topical cream approved for facial hair removal, called eflornithine (Vaniqa), which acts by inhibiting new growth by an enzyme inhibition mechanism. Therapeutic trials and our clinical experience have shown promising results with this agent in diminishing unwanted facial hair in women.