PREPUBERTAL HYPERTRICHOSIS

Hypertrichosis must be assessed in the light of the type of hair invol ved, the pattern of abnormal hair growth, associated abnormalities, ag e of onset, and family history including ethnic background. Associated diseases and the associated medication must be considered, as drug-in duced hair growth is not uncommon. Although disorders of the hair usua lly have little medical significance and involve no interference with the general physical condition, they may be present in congenital synd romes or be associated with other abnormalities and metabolic disorder s. The individual psychological impact of excessive hair growth also h as a bearing on the problem with regard to its management. We describe in a 7-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy a state of prepubertal hyp ertrichosis, characterized in otherwise normal children by a form of g eneralized excessive terminal hair growth which does not conform to th e pattern of (androgen-mediated) hirsutism. The nosology of this form of excessive hair growth is discussed. The question whether it represe nts an atavistic trait is controverted.