Hypertrichosis (also called Ambras syndrome) is an abnormal amount of hair growth on the body; extensive cases of hypertrichosis have informally been called werewolf syndrome, because the appearance is similar to the mythological werewolf. The two distinct types of hypertrichosis are generalized hypertrichosis, which occurs over the entire body, and localized hypertrichosis, which is restricted to a certain area. Hypertrichosis can be either congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life. The excess growth of hair occurs in areas of the skin with the exception of androgen-dependent hair of the pubic area, face, and axillary regions.
Several circus sideshow performers in the 19th and early 20th centuries, such as Julia Pastrana, had hypertrichosis. Many of them worked as freaks and were promoted as having distinct human and animal traits.
Read more about Hypertrichosis: History, Classification, Signs and Symptoms, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management, Epidemiology, Society and Culture
Other articles related to "hypertrichosis":
... One record in history concerning congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa is the hairy family of Burma, a four-generational pedigree of the disease ... Shwe-Maong had four children three normal children, and one child with congenital hypertrichosis, named Maphoon ... woman with two sons, one of which had hypertrichosis ...
... second person in his family born with a rare condition known as hypertrichosis ... His sister, Lili, was also born with hypertrichosis ... He is the first person with hypertrichosis to perform in the UK in thirty years ...
... L67.9) Hair colour and hair shaft abnormality, unspecified (L68) Hypertrichosis (L68.0) Hirsutism (L68.1) Acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa (L68.2) Localized ...
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... Frontal fibrosing alopecia Marie Unna hereditary hypotrichosis Hypertrichosis Hirsutism Acquired generalized hypertrichosis Generalized congenital hypertrichosis Localized ...