Facial hair removal

Understanding hirsutism

Hirsutism refers to the condition where women experience excessive hair growth in areas typically associated with male hair patterns, such as the face, particularly on the upper lip and on the chin. The hair tends to be dark and coarse, in contrast to the lighter, finer hair many women naturally have. It can also appear on other parts of the body, including the chest, the neck, the abdomen, and the genital regions. Other symptoms often accompany hirsutism, such as acne, a deepening of the voice, and thinning hair at the front of the scalp. In most cases, this condition points to an underlying hormonal imbalance.

Although hirsutism does not present any direct health dangers, it can cause significant emotional distress. Many women who experience it may struggle with self-esteem issues, as it can affect their confidence and influence their social interactions. This often extends to how they feel about their relationships and even impacts their clothing choices.

What are the causes?

Hirsutism is typically linked to elevated levels of male hormones, called androgens, or heightened sensitivity to these hormones. In most cases, it is associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, around 10% of those affected have no clear underlying cause. Some research indicates that hirsutism may occasionally be hereditary, suggesting that a genetic predisposition could also play a role.

What are the treatment options?

While there is no permanent cure for hirsutism at the moment, several effective hair removal methods are available. Many women manage the condition through shaving, waxing, plucking, or bleaching the hair in the affected areas. Additionally, a prescription-only cream called Vaniqa is specifically designed to reduce facial hair growth. The active ingredient, called eflornithine, works by targeting an enzyme that is involved in hair production. When it is applied regularly, results can start to appear after around eight weeks, with more noticeable improvements potentially taking up to four months. It is important to note that Vaniqa is only approved for use on facial hair and, while it slows down growth and improves appearance, it does not provide a permanent solution for hirsutism.

At our pharmacy, Vaniqa can be obtained after a brief consultation, without the need for a prescription.

Vaniqa cream

Excess facial hair can be a challenging issue for women, causing distress and affecting self-esteem. Vaniqa is a prescription-only cream designed to help manage this condition, delivering long-lasting results. It contains 115mg of eflornithine hydrochloride monohydrate, which works by slowing down hair growth at the root level.

Why opt for Vaniqa?

Unwanted facial hair can lower confidence and impact daily life. Vaniqa provides a practical solution to this issue. Many women start to notice improvements as early as eight weeks into treatment. Clinical studies have shown that approximately 35% of women who use Vaniqa experience positive results, with their condition being rated as ‘clear’, ‘almost clear’, or showing significant improvement.

Vaniqa can help you:

Effectively manage facial hirsutism

Enhance your confidence

Improve your overall appearance

Which dosage is right for you?

Detailed dosage instructions are provided with the treatment. However, if you’re unsure about how much cream to apply, our pharmacists are available to offer guidance and answer any questions you may have regarding its use.

How to apply Vaniqa

Vaniqa should be applied in a thin layer to the affected areas of the face, typically including the upper lip and under the chin. It is recommended to use the cream twice daily, with roughly an eight-hour gap between applications. Make sure to rub the cream in thoroughly and avoid washing the treated areas for at least four hours after applying the product.

How does Vaniqa work?

Vaniqa contains the active ingredient eflornithine, which works by penetrating the hair follicles and disrupting the action of an enzyme responsible for hair growth. Most users begin to see results between eight weeks and four months. If no noticeable improvement occurs after this time, it is recommended to discontinue use.

Potential side effects of Vaniqa

Like all medications, Vaniqa may cause some side effects, in particular skin-related reactions. These can include symptoms such as dryness, burning or tingling sensations, stinging, itching, redness, inflammation, and even acne. If you have concerns about these potential side effects or if you want more detailed information about the treatment, do not hesitate to contact our specialists by phone or by email. We are available to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Patient Information Leaflet

For more detailed information, you can access the Patient Information Leaflet here, https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6398.pdf, which provides comprehensive details about Vaniqa, including its use and potential side effects.

Availability

You can either visit your preferred pharmacy’s page to enquire about this service or simply drop in whenever it is convenient for you.