Hirsutism: a Review of the Genetic and Experimental Aspects* Sigfrid A
THE JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY Vol. 60, No.6 Copyright© 1973 by The Willia ms & Wilkins Co. Printed in U.S.A. HIRSUTISM: A REVIEW OF THE GENETIC AND EXPERIMENTAL ASPECTS* SIGFRID A. MULLER, M.D. INTRODUCTION to be under hormonal control, whereas both axil The genetic and environmental factors, which lary hair and lower pubic hair were pubertal together are responsible for our lack or abundance events, similar in both sexes and related to adrenal of hair, are little understood. Especially noticeable androgens. The upper pubic hair, the beard, hair in is the paucity of knowledge about the regional the external auditory canals and nasal vestibula, variations in hair growth or the different sensitivi and increased hairiness of the trunk and extremi ties to pilary stimulation. Nevertheless, because of ties were thought to be secondary sexual character the easy applicability of investigational techniques istics of the true male (Danforth, 1939; Flesch, and the availability of large amounts of experimen 1954; Porter and Lobitz, 1970). Major differences tal tissue, our knowledge of hair phenotypes and between the sexes are quantitative rather than growth is considerable and significant. qualitative; therefore classification becomes dif Although disorders of the hair may have no ficult. For example, hair on the scalp or extremities practical or medical significance, involving little or can be assigned to one of several categories, and n.o interference with the general physical condi certain variations are normal in familial and racial tiOn, they are commonly important to the patient strains but abnormal in others; thus comparisons because of psychological factors.
[Show full text]