What's wrong with the long hair on the rash

Long hair on prickly skin may be related to active local hair follicles, benign hyperplasia of pigmented nevi, endocrine changes, genetic factors, or chronic skin irritation, and usually does not require special treatment. If accompanied by itching, ulceration, or rapid growth in the short term, one should be alert to the possibility of malignant transformation and it is recommended to seek medical attention and examination in a timely manner.

1. Active hair follicles

If the hair follicles in the skin area where the rash is located are in the active phase, it may stimulate abnormal hair growth. This condition is more common during adolescence or hormonal fluctuations, usually manifested as a single thick and hard hair, with no redness, swelling, or pain in the surrounding skin. Avoid repeated hair removal or friction stimulation in daily life, and if necessary, seek laser hair removal treatment at a dermatologist.

2. Hyperplasia of pigmented nevi

Benign pigmented nevi such as compound or intradermal nevi often contain hair follicle structures, which may promote hair growth with the proliferation of nevi cells. This type of prickly heat is mostly raised in a hemispherical shape, with a diameter of less than 6 millimeters, and the hair color is consistent with the body hair. If there is no morphological change, no treatment is required. If appearance improvement is needed, carbon dioxide laser or surgical resection can be chosen. Pathological examination should be performed after surgery.

3. Endocrine effects

During pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid dysfunction, changes in androgen levels may activate dormant hair follicles. Patients may experience symptoms such as thickening of body hair and menstrual disorders, which can be diagnosed through six tests of sex hormones. For primary diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome, ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate tablets can be used as prescribed to regulate hormones.

4. Genetic predisposition

Familial hirsutism or genetic diseases such as Becker's nevus can lead to dense hair growth in the genital area. This type of situation often occurs in childhood, characterized by indistinct pigment patches with clustered hair. Pulse light therapy can improve appearance, but cannot cure genetic defects, and regular monitoring of skin changes is necessary.

5. Chronic stimulation

Long term clothing friction, ultraviolet radiation, or chemical exposure may induce excessive keratinization of local hair follicles. Commonly seen in the waistband area, collar, and other areas, folliculitis like papules can be seen around the rash. It is recommended to change loose clothing and apply vitamin A yogurt cream externally to improve keratinization. When combined with infections, apply mupirocin cream.

Daily attention should be paid to observing the morphological changes of prickly heat, avoiding scratching or self handling hair. Keeping the skin clean and dry, sun protection can help reduce the risk of malignant transformation. If asymmetrical growth, irregular edges, darkened color, or exudation are found in the rash, immediate dermatological examination or tissue biopsy should be performed. Regular sleep and balanced diet have a positive effect on maintaining normal endocrine function, and can be supplemented with vitamin E and zinc in moderation.