Excessive Hair Growth

Published: October 26, 2017
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am 15 year old male, and have way too much hair. All around my body is excessive hair that none of the kids my age have, and I have no way to get rid of it without it taking a depressing amount of time. What can I do to deal with being way too hairy? I am so hairy it almost seems like a decease, so is there something I can take to lessen the hair growth?
Signed: Excessive Hair Growth

Dear Excessive Hair Growth,

Hair growth is a natural part of puberty. According to LIVESTRONG,

“Boys can expect puberty to begin between ages 9 and 15, when a small amount of pubic hair starts growing at the base of the penis. Between ages 11 and 16, boys can expect to see that hair gets darker, coarser and extends to the area between the legs and torso. Between ages 11 and 17, hair grows under the arms, on the chin and upper lip, and potentially on the anus. Between ages 14 and 18, pubic hair appears more as an adult man’s hair. Facial hair begins to grow more, and into the early 20s, more body hair begins to grow in areas such as the chest and back.”

Some common hair removal methods include shaving, waxing and tweezing. Lotions and creams are available for purchase, however TeenHealthFX does not suggest using these products unless approved by a doctor, as they often contain chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin.

You mentioned that you have hair that other boys your age do not. You may be experiencing hair growth earlier than the rest of your peers, which is causing you to feel that this growth is problematic. TeenHealthFX reminds you that hair growth is natural and is nothing to be ashamed of. Each person experiences puberty differently.

However, if you feel that this hair growth is unnatural, and is causing you emotional distress, TeenHealthFX recommends you schedule an appointment with your local physician or dermatologist. Your provider will examine the situation, and determine if there is an underlying cause of hair growth. He/she can also recommend safe and cost-effective treatment.

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.

You can also use the American Academy of Dermatology Association’s Find a Dermatologist tool to locate a dermatologist in your area.

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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