M.D. Hirsutism is excess body hair. It is a frequent complaint among women. This problem can be very distressing since excessive body and particularly facial hair is deemed unsightly in women in our society. The endowment of hair is determined early in gestation. It is genetically determined but is equal in both sexes.
Hair grows from hair follicles within the skin.
There are about 50 million hair follicles covering the body of which one fifth is located in the scalp. Only the soles and palms are free of hair follicles. As long as follicles are not destroyed, hair continues to grow even if it is plucked, depilated or removed in any other fashion. Vellus hairs are soft, fine, and usually short. Examples of vellus hair in women are found on the face, chest, back, etc.