Dermatologist Questions Pediatrician

“Teen daughter with excessive hair growth and itchy back with bumps?”

What should my 16 year old daughter do to permanently get rid of, or reduce, excessive hair on her back and arms (and/or inhibit hair growth, but won't affect hair on her head)? Now she's starting to get noticeable hair on her belly. Her back is always itchy, has some bumps that are itchy, some not. I'm not hairy but her biological father is Italian and is very hairy. I haven't said anything to my daughter; she already has self-esteem issues, but this summer will be hard on her being in bathing suits. My heart breaks for her.

Female | 16 years old
Complaint duration: 1 year
Medications: Prozac, abilify, multivitamin, vitamin C, Vitamin D
Conditions: Seasonal, environmental allergies and amoxicillin allergy, anxiety, depression

3 Answers

She must be evaluated by a pediatric endocrinologist to rule out medical conditions related to increased male hormone (testosterone) production as PCOS or adrenal tumors.
Certain endocrine conditions can be associated with excessive hair growth or hirsutism in young girls. An endocrine evaluation should be undertaken.

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Dear Mother,

I certainly understand your concern; your daughter should be seen by an endocrinologist to evaluate her problem. The ovaries or adrenal glands may be producing too much male hormone, which can cause excess hair as well as menstrual disorders and acne. If those tests are within the normal range, then it can be considered to be a family trait. Depending on the findings, treatment programs can be established.

Respectfully,

Marvin A. Leder, MD FACP FACE AW

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