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Anorexia
induced hypertrichosis
A quite common symptom of anorexia nervosa is the induction of
body hypertrichosis. This excess hair growth can persist even when
anorexia is successfully treated. Most typically, the hair produced
is of a non pigmented, lanugo type. In contrast, scalp hair is frequently
lost during anorexia nervosa. While one might anticipate loss of
scalp hair due to nutritional deficiency, hypertrichosis might not
be anticipated on first consideration.
The cause of body hair hypertrichosis is not known. However, during
the progression of anorexia nervosa there can be significant changes
to the production of hormones. The thyroid gland and ovaries, both
sources of hair follicle regulating hormnones, can be adversely
affected. These hormonal changes are one likely activator of body
hair hypertrichosis.
Anorexia
induced hypertrichosis references
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C, Rost B, Itin P. Cutaneous manifestations in anorexia nervosa.
Schweiz Med Wochenschr. 2000 Apr 22;130(16):565-75.
- Schulze
UM, Pettke-Rank CV, Kreienkamp M, Hamm H, Brocker EB, Wewetzer
C, Trott GE, Warnke A. Dermatologic findings in anorexia and bulimia
nervosa of childhood and adolescence. Pediatr Dermatol. 1999 Mar-Apr;16(2):90-4.
- Wentz E,
Gillberg IC, Gillberg C, Rastam M. Ten-year follow-up of adolescent-onset
anorexia nervosa: physical health and neurodevelopment. Dev Med
Child Neurol. 2000 May;42(5):328-33.
- Marshman GM, Hanna MJ, Ben-Tovim DI, Walker
MK. Cutaneous abnormalities in anorexia nervosa. Australas J Dermatol.
1990;31(1):9-12.
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signs in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Arch Dermatol.
1987 Oct;123(10):1386-90.
- Lacey JH. Anorexia nervosa and a bearded
female saint. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1982 Dec 18-25;285(6357):1816-7.
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