Hirsutism, the appearance of facial hair on women in a male pattern distribution, is a problem with potential medical, social, and psychological implications for millions of women. Hirsutism can reflect the presence of an underlying systemic disease, namely one that results in hyperandrogenic states, or it may seem to be idiopathic. Many methods of treatment have been used over the years, from pharmacological and surgical treatment for underlying disease to mechanical means of hair removal. We discuss hirsutism and review the clinical experience with a topical cream approved for facial hair removal, called eflornithine (Vaniqa), which acts by inhibiting new growth by an enzyme inhibition mechanism. Therapeutic trials and our clinical experience have shown promising results with this agent in diminishing unwanted facial hair in women.
aDepartment of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
Sarah Brenner, M.D., Department of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel
☆ About 70–80% of cases of hirsutism are androgen- dependent
The enzyme 5 α-reductase plays a key pathophysiologic role in the growth of facial hair regardless of the patient's androgen profile
Patients with hirsutism are often more fearful of its social than its medical impact
If underlying systemic disease is present, pharmacological or surgical therapy is indicated
The author states that there are no financial interests related to these products.
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