Overview
Acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa, sometimes called 'malignant down' or 'hypertrichosis lanuginosa acquisita,' is a rare condition where fine, soft, downy hair — similar to the hair that covers a baby before birth — grows all over the body, including the face. Unlike normal body hair, this hair is very thin, unpigmented (colorless), and can grow several inches long. It appears on areas that do not normally have this type of hair, such as the forehead, nose, ears, and eyelids. This condition is almost always linked to an underlying cancer somewhere in the body. It is considered a 'paraneoplastic' syndrome, meaning it is a sign that the body is reacting to a tumor, even if the tumor has not yet been found. The most commonly associated cancers include colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer, though many other cancer types have been reported. The main symptom is the sudden and rapid growth of this fine hair across the body. Other symptoms may include a sore or inflamed tongue and taste changes. Because this condition is so strongly tied to cancer, finding and treating the underlying cancer is the most important step. When the cancer is successfully treated, the abnormal hair growth often slows down or goes away. Management focuses on treating the cancer and addressing any discomfort caused by the hair growth itself.
Key symptoms:
Sudden growth of fine, soft, downy hair all over the body and faceHair growing in unusual places like the forehead, nose, ears, and eyelidsHair that is colorless or very lightly pigmentedSore, red, or inflamed tongue (glossitis)Changes in tasteRapid spread of hair growth over weeks to monthsSkin changes in some casesGeneral symptoms related to the underlying cancer, such as unexplained weight loss or fatigue
Clinical phenotype terms (18)— hover any for plain English
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa.
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Caregiver Resources
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Social Security Disability
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What type of cancer is most likely causing this hair growth, and what tests do I need right away?,If we treat the cancer, will the hair growth go away?,Are there safe cosmetic options I can use to manage the hair while we treat the cancer?,How often should I be monitored, and what signs should prompt me to call you immediately?,Should my family members be screened for any related conditions?,Are there any clinical trials or specialists who focus on this condition that I should see?,What support resources are available for the emotional impact of this condition?
Common questions about Acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa
What is Acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa?
Acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa, sometimes called 'malignant down' or 'hypertrichosis lanuginosa acquisita,' is a rare condition where fine, soft, downy hair — similar to the hair that covers a baby before birth — grows all over the body, including the face. Unlike normal body hair, this hair is very thin, unpigmented (colorless), and can grow several inches long. It appears on areas that do not normally have this type of hair, such as the forehead, nose, ears, and eyelids. This condition is almost always linked to an underlying cancer somewhere in the body. It is considered a 'paraneoplas
How is Acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa inherited?
Acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa typically begin?
Typical onset of Acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.