Towards a more objective diagnosis of hirsutism: the quantification of terminal hair by digital microscopy

The major objective of this study is to clinically validate a digital microscope camera for the quantification of terminal hair by assessing the (median) hair thickness, number of terminal hairs and hair color, and to investigate whether visible light or ultraviolet light is preferred. Moreover, this study aims to investigate the inter-observer variability of this new method. This method could contribute to a more objective diagnosis of excessive hair growth in women with hirsutism. The database therefore consists of data from two independent researchers whom assessed median hair thicknesses, number of terminal hairs and hair color in healthy male and female volunteers.