Excess Body Hair

Alternate Names : Abnormal Hairiness, Excess Hair Growth

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Most cases cannot be prevented. Pregnant women should not drink alcohol. People may want to avoid medications that are known to cause excess body hair.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Excess body hair may cause embarrassment, especially in the teen years. In most cases, there are no long-term effects and appearance is the only concern. The long-term effects are related to the cause. If cancer or a tumor is the cause, serious disability or even death may result. Children born to mothers who drank alcohol may have other birth defects and learning disabilities.

What are the risks to others?

This condition is not contagious and poses no risk to others.