Hairy

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Hairy is a term often used in medical contexts to describe a condition or appearance characterized by an excessive amount of hair. This can occur in various parts of the body and can be associated with a number of different medical conditions.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The term "hairy" is not a medical diagnosis in itself, but rather a descriptive term used to characterize certain conditions. These conditions can range from benign and cosmetic issues, such as hirsutism, to more serious conditions like Hairy cell leukemia.

Hirsutism[edit | edit source]

Hirsutism is a condition characterized by excessive hair growth in areas where hair is usually minimal or absent. This condition is often associated with hormonal imbalances, particularly an excess of androgens, which are male sex hormones. Women with hirsutism may have hair growth on the face, chest, and back.

Hairy cell leukemia[edit | edit source]

Hairy cell leukemia is a rare type of blood and bone marrow cancer. It is named for the appearance of the cancer cells under a microscope, which look "hairy" due to fine projections coming from their surface. This condition can lead to fatigue, infection, and other serious symptoms.

Other conditions[edit | edit source]

Other conditions that may be described as "hairy" include Hairy tongue, a benign condition where the tongue appears to have a hairy or furry surface, and Hypertrichosis, a condition characterized by excessive hair growth over the entire body.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for "hairy" conditions depends on the underlying cause. For cosmetic issues like hirsutism, treatment may involve hair removal techniques or medications to balance hormone levels. For more serious conditions like hairy cell leukemia, treatment may involve chemotherapy or other cancer treatments.

See also[edit | edit source]

Hairy Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD