Have you ever looked closely at your hands or face in the mirror? You might have noticed that there are many tiny, light-colored moles all over our bodies. Some people call them "peach fuzz." So are these little moles just a nuisance, or do they have any benefit to our bodies? That's what we're talking about today.
What exactly is Vellus Hair?
Simply put, vellus hair is the fine, fine hair that grows on most parts of our bodies. These are very different from the thick, long hair on our heads. Doctors call these thick hairs on our heads terminal hairs . Vellus hairs are usually shorter and lighter in color than terminal hairs. However, the length, thickness, and color of these vellus hairs can vary from person to person.
These tiny hairs not only protect our skin, but also help regulate body temperature. That is, they help retain heat in cold weather and cool the body by evaporating sweat when it's hot.
Just think, without this little mole, we might miss out on some of the subtle touches that our bodies feel. It's because of this mole that we feel when we get a rash.
These vellus hairs are found almost everywhere on our bodies, except on our palms, soles of our feet, lips, and eyelids.
What exactly is the difference between vellus hair and terminal hair?
To understand the difference between the two, look at the table below.
| Characteristic | Vellus Hair - fine hair | Terminal Hair - Thick hair |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Very delicate, thin, short | Thick, rough, long |
| Color | Usually light in color (sometimes almost invisible) | Dark colored (black, brown) |
| Growing places | Most of the body, including the face, neck, arms, and legs | Head, armpits, private areas, (men's) beard and chest |
| Main function | Body temperature control, skin protection | Providing security and warmth |
What happens to these babies when they reach adulthood?
As you may remember, during adolescence (when we reach adulthood), our bodies go through major changes. The main reason for this is hormones. Our bodies start producing more of a type of hormone called androgen during this time.
Due to the effects of these hormones, the fine vellus hairs in some parts of the body turn into thick terminal hairs.
- In the armpits
- In secret areas
- On the face of boys (and some girls) above the upper lip and in the beard area
- Also, the skin on boys' chests, backs, arms, and legs becomes thicker and darker.
This is a completely natural process.
Is abnormal changes in the color of the hair a sign of illness?
Yes, sometimes changes in the size and appearance of vesiculobullae can be a sign of a health condition. But don't worry, not all changes are caused by a disease. Let's take a look at what these conditions are.
- Some cancer medications: Some chemotherapy drugs given to cancer patients can cause hair loss on the scalp, and sometimes the hair that grows back can be fine, like vellus hair. It may return to normal after the medication is stopped.
- Hormone-related diseases:
- Cushing Syndrome: This condition can cause excessive growth of vellus hair on the face, neck, chest, abdomen, and legs.
- Hirsutism: This is when women develop thick, dark-colored terminal hair (like men) in areas where vellus hair normally resides (e.g., face, chest).
- Hypertrichosis: This can cause excessive growth of vellus hair all over the body.
- Other situations:
- Male Pattern Baldness: This is when the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) damages the hair follicles, causing the thick terminal hair to gradually turn into thin, gray hair, and eventually, the hair falls out.
- Eating Disorders: People with conditions like Anorexia Nervosa may develop a fine layer of hair called lanugo all over their bodies due to malnutrition. This is slightly thicker than vellus hair. This layer usually grows in the womb and falls off after birth.
If you notice a sudden, significant change in your moles, such as excessive growth or thinning, the best thing to do is to see your doctor for advice.
Can this 'Peach Fuzz' be removed?
There is no medical reason to remove normal vellus hair. However, if you don't like the way they look, there are several ways to remove them. You can talk to your doctor about the method that is best for you.
| Removal method | Description |
|---|---|
| Shaving & Depilatory Creams | Removes blackheads from the surface of the skin. If using on the face, choose a cream specifically for the face. |
| Waxing | The wax is removed from the hair follicle using a heated wax and a cloth. |
| Threading | Using a fine thread, first remove the wax. |
| Dermaplaning | While the top layer of skin is gently removed with a special device, the mole is also removed. |
| Electrolysis | A method that permanently removes moles by treating the hair follicle itself. |
Very important: Never try to bleach your hair. These chemicals can damage your skin and permanently change its color.
When you remove the mole, does it come back thicker?
This is a big misconception among many people. Absolutely not. Once you remove the vellus hairs, they will not grow back thicker.
The reason for this feeling is that, like when you shave, the hair is cut off from the surface of the skin. Then, when that short hair grows back, the ends are blunt, so we feel a bit rough and thick. But as the hair grows longer, that feeling disappears. The thickness of the hair doesn't actually change.
Take-Home Message
- Vellus hair is a normal, useful part of our body. It helps regulate body temperature and protect the skin.
- It is normal for the nature of these moles to change with age and hormones.
- If your body hair suddenly grows or thins out in an unusual way, it could be a sign of a medical condition. So it's important to see a doctor.
- Removing these moles is entirely your personal decision. Once removed, they will not grow back and become thicker.
- When removing moles, choose a safe method that is suitable for your skin type. If in doubt, consult a doctor.
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