Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What term is used for thick, coarse hair that grows on the face to form a beard?

1. Hypertrichosis

2. Hirsutism

3. Folliculitis

4. Alopecia

The correct answer is: Hypertrichosis

The correct term for thick, coarse hair that grows on the face to form a beard is hirsutism. Hirsutism refers specifically to excessive hair growth in women in areas where men typically grow hair, such as the face, chest, and back. This condition is often linked to hormonal imbalances, particularly involving androgens. On the other hand, hypertrichosis describes an abnormal amount of hair growth over the body and can occur in both men and women, but it is characterized by hair growth in areas that are normally hairless rather than specifically referring to the presence of beard-like hair in a male-pattern distribution. Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles and does not refer to the presence of facial hair itself. Alopecia, on the contrary, involves hair loss rather than growth, making it unrelated to the context of facial hair development. Understanding these distinctions is essential for recognizing the different conditions associated with hair growth and loss.