An autoimmune disorder, such as multiple sclerosis, arises when the body’s immune system loses the ability to distinguish self from non-self. An autoimmune disorder results in an immune response against the body’s own tissue. Both genetic predisposition and environmental factors may play a role in the development of multiple sclerosis, as the disorder most commonly affects Caucasian women under the age of 55, and particularly those who live in temperate climates.
Pathology and Symptoms
Inflammation, demyelination and scarring in the central nervous system characterize MS and lead to disruptions in nerve conduction. Demyelination involves the destruction of the myelin sheaths that serve to provide insulation for the nerves they surround. Damage and disruptions in nerve conduction due to demyelination cause the symptoms experienced by those who have MS. Symptoms may include episodes of weakness, numbness, tingling, spasms, vertigo, vision impairment, and urinary urgency or incontinence. Symptomatic episodes wax and wane and may eventually progress to steady deterioration and significant disability.
Treatment Side Effects
Physicians often treat acute symptomatic episodes of MS with glucocorticoids such as prednisone. A woman who suffers from MS may notice the occurrence of unwanted facial hair, a rare side effect of this type of treatment.
Hypertrichosis and Hirsutism
Hypertrichosis, a reversible condition, results in abnormal hair growth on the forehead and sides of the face. Hair growth also may be found elsewhere on the body. Hypertrichosis may be a side effect of the glucocorticoid drug prednisone, according to the 17th edition of "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." In contrast, hirsutism is abnormal hair growing in a male-pattern distribution on a female. Male pattern hair distribution includes the lower half of the face and chest. Hirsutism tends to be a chronic problem and may be a side effect of glucocorticoid drugs like prednisone. In both conditions, the quantity of hairs does not increase, but the follicle size and density of each hair may increase.
Resolution
“Nonpharmacologic treatments should be considered in all patients, either as the only treatment or as an adjunct to drug therapy,” according to Dr. David A. Ehrmann in a chapter he wrote in "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." Treatments include shaving, waxing, use of depilatories and laser hair removal.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 17th ed." Anthony S. Fauci, et al; 2008
- "Complete Guide to Prescription & Nonprescription Drugs, 2009 ed." H. Winter Griffith; 2009
- “Lange 2008 Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 47th ed." Stephen J. McPhee and Maxine A. Papadakis, 2008
- Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center: Prednisone
- MedlinePlus: Excessive or Unwanted Hair in Women
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