Hairy Hand Case

The Hairy Hand Case: A Comprehensive Overview

The "hairy hand case," also known as hypertrichosis, is not a singular, defined medical condition but rather a descriptive term referring to the excessive growth of hair on the hands. This condition can manifest in various ways, ranging from slightly increased hairiness to a dense covering of hair. It's crucial to understand that hairy hands are not inherently a disease; they are a symptom that can be indicative of several underlying medical issues or, in many cases, a completely benign genetic trait. This article will explore the various causes, associated conditions, diagnostic approaches, and treatments related to excessive hand hair.

I. Genetic Factors and Familial Hypertrichosis

In many instances, excessive hand hair is simply a genetic trait inherited from parents or grandparents. This type of hypertrichosis is often referred to as familial hypertrichosis and is considered a normal variation within the human population. Individuals with this condition will typically exhibit increased hair growth on their hands, but also potentially on other parts of their body, such as the arms, legs, or face. The hair growth pattern is usually consistent with typical androgen-dependent hair growth, meaning the hair is often coarser and darker than usual. There is no specific gene identified as the sole cause; rather, it's likely a polygenic trait influenced by multiple genes. For instance, a family might have a history of individuals with unusually hairy hands and arms, with the trait varying in intensity among family members.

II. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances, particularly those involving androgens (male sex hormones), can significantly contribute to excessive hair growth, including on the hands. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women and certain adrenal disorders in both men and women can lead to increased androgen production, resulting in hirsutism – excessive hair growth in a male-like pattern. In PCOS, for example, irregular menstrual cycles, acne, and weight gain often accompany excessive hair growth. In adrenal disorders, the adrenal glands produce excessive amounts of hormones, including androgens. The severity of hair growth will vary depending on the underlying hormonal imbalance and individual response to the hormones.

III. Medications and Other Acquired Conditions

Certain medications can have hypertrichosis as a side effect. Some chemotherapy drugs, immunosuppressants, and certain psychiatric medications are known to induce increased hair growth across the body, including the hands. This type of hypertrichosis is typically reversible once the medication is discontinued. Additionally, certain rare genetic syndromes, such as the Cornelia de Lange syndrome, are characterized by many features, including excessive hair growth on the hands and other body parts. These syndromes involve multiple gene mutations and typically present with a wide range of symptoms beyond just hair growth.

IV. Diagnostic Procedures

Diagnosing the cause of hairy hands involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. The doctor will inquire about family history of excessive hair growth, menstrual history (for women), medication use, and any other relevant medical conditions. Blood tests might be ordered to assess hormone levels, such as testosterone and androgens. If hormonal imbalances are suspected, further investigations might be necessary to identify the underlying cause, such as an ultrasound for PCOS or imaging studies for adrenal disorders. In cases where a genetic syndrome is suspected, genetic testing may be recommended.

V. Treatment Options

Treatment for excessive hand hair depends entirely on the underlying cause. If it's a purely genetic trait without any associated medical conditions, treatment is often unnecessary and purely cosmetic. If hormonal imbalances are the cause, addressing the underlying hormonal disorder is crucial. This might involve medication to regulate hormone production or lifestyle modifications for conditions like PCOS.

Cosmetic options for hair removal include:

Shaving: Provides temporary hair removal.
Tweezing: Removes individual hairs, suitable for smaller areas.
Depilatory creams: Dissolve hair at the surface, providing temporary hair removal.
Waxing: Removes hair from the root, providing longer-lasting results.
Electrolysis: Destroys hair follicles permanently.
Laser hair removal: Targets hair follicles with light energy, reducing hair growth.

The choice of treatment will depend on the individual's preference, hair type, and the extent of hair growth.

Summary

The "hairy hand case" encompasses a range of situations, from a simple genetic variation to a symptom of a more complex medical condition. Understanding the potential causes, including genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, and medication side effects, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Treatment ranges from no intervention for purely genetic cases to targeted medical therapies for underlying hormonal disorders, along with various cosmetic options for hair removal. A thorough medical evaluation is essential to determine the underlying cause and guide treatment decisions.

FAQs

1. Are hairy hands always a sign of a serious medical condition? No, often excessive hand hair is a benign genetic trait. However, it can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying hormonal imbalance or other medical condition.

2. How can I determine if my hairy hands are due to a genetic condition? A detailed family history review and discussion with a doctor can help determine if excessive hair growth runs in your family. Genetic testing may be necessary in some cases.

3. What are the best methods for hair removal from my hands? Numerous options exist, including shaving, waxing, depilatory creams, electrolysis, and laser hair removal. The best method depends on individual preferences, hair type, and budget.

4. Can hairy hands be cured? If the excessive hair growth is due to a genetic trait, it cannot be cured, but it can be managed cosmetically. If an underlying medical condition is responsible, addressing that condition might reduce hair growth.

5. When should I see a doctor about my hairy hands? Consult a doctor if you experience a sudden increase in hand hair, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like irregular periods, acne, weight gain, or fatigue. A medical professional can properly diagnose and address any underlying medical conditions.

Search Results:

Hawkins v Mcgee case brief + full Case - Sheria na Jamii 27 Sep 2022 · This case is popularly known as the “Hairy Hand Case” or, sometimes, the “Case of the Hairy Hand” and it is commonly taught to every law student studying in a first-year Contracts class. Here I will share with you the Hawkins v Mcgee case brief to help you understand everything you need to know about the Hawkins v Mcgee case in a simple ...

Hawkins v. McGee - Case Brief Summary for Law School … McGee is a case concerning a surgical procedure performed by Dr. McGee on George Hawkins. Approximately nine years prior to the operation, Hawkins sustained severe burns to his right hand from contact with an electric wire, resulting in significant scar tissue formation.

Hawkins v. McGee, 84 N.H. 114 | Casetext Search + Citator holding that doctor who promised a patient a "hundred per cent perfect hand" breached a warranty by providing a hairy hand instead. Summary of this case from Shoemaker v. Hearst Corporation. Delegate legal research to CoCounsel, your new AI legal assistant. Decided June 4, …

A Legal Case Too Weird To Forget: The Case of the Hairy Hand 20 Apr 2016 · The heart of the “Hawkins vs. McGee” case is the value of a perfect hand or the loss of human opportunity because of a deformed, hairy hand. The story starts on a stormy March night in 1914, when two downed electrical wires cross, causing a surge of power into the Berlin home of Charles and Rose Hawkins.

Hawkins v. McGee – (IRAC) Case Brief Summary 5 Dec 2023 · The Supreme Court reasoned that Hawkins was entitled to compensation for the difference between the “hairy palm” he received as a result of the failed surgery and any additional damages caused by the breach of contract.

Hawkins v. McGee | Case Brief for Law Students | Casebriefs A doctor agreed to perform a surgical procedure on a patient’s hand, and promised certain results. The results were not achieved and suit was brought. Synopsis of Rule of Law. See held section because there are rules concerning the formation of a contract and damages in this case.

Another Perspective on Dr. McGee and the Case of the Hairy Hand … Known colloquially as the “Hairy Hand” case, Hawkins v. McGee (1929) has become a staple of first-year Contracts classes ever since it first appeared in a Harvard Law School casebook 70 years ago. (Why that is so is explained here).

Hawkins v. McGee Case Summary - FindLaw 22 Sep 2022 · Hawkins v. McGee, 84 N.H. 114, 146 A. 641 (1929), is a contract law case known to law students as the "Case of the Hairy Hand." It is famous for its mention in the movie and novel "The Paper Chase" and is frequently taught in law school contracts courses.

Hawkins v. McGee | The "Hairy Hand" Case - vellalundlaw.com This case is the famous “hairy hand” case that virtually every law student studies in a first year Contracts class. Interestingly, the opinion never mentions that hair grew on Hawkins’ palm, but a subsequent case makes mention of that fact.

Hawkins v. McGee Case Summary (Contracts) - American Law … 7 Feb 2024 · Hawkins v. McGee, 84 N.H. 114, 146 A. 641 (1929), is a contract law case known to law students as the “Case of the Hairy Hand.” It is famous for its mention in the movie and novel “The Paper Chase” and is frequently taught in law school contracts courses.

Hawkins v. McGee (1929) – Legal Three 30 Nov 2023 · – Breach: McGee promised a 100% perfect hand, but the surgery resulted in a hairy, less functional hand. – Damages: The difference in value between the hand as promised (perfect) and the hand as it was after surgery must be assessed to determine Hawkins’ damages.

Hawkins v. McGee - Case Brief - Wiki Law School 14 Jul 2023 · Defendant Dr. McGee promised Plaintiff Hawkins that his hand would be a "100% good hand" after a skin graft operation. The hand was unsatisfactory after the operation (the palm became covered in hair).

Hawkins V. McGee - Berlin, New Hampshire History Problems got worse when Hawkin's hand started to grow hair, thus the future cause would be nicknamed the "hairy hand" case. Hawkins filed a lawsuit against McGee for breach of contract in 1926. The jury ruled in Hawkins favor, but the amount was too large for …

Hawkins v. McGee case brief - Law School Case Briefs 23 Mar 2012 · After surgery, Hawkins hand is mangled and hairy. Cause of Action : Breach of warranty in that hand was not rendered 100% useful. Holding : Doc breached warranty re: guarantee of perfect hand.

Hairy Hand Case: A Vampire in the Law School Casebook 27 Jan 2016 · Hair on the palm of the hand is one of the lesser-known signs in vampire folklore. But it might explain some of the hype surrounding the most famous case in the U.S. law school curriculum: Hawkins v. McGee, better known as the “Hairy Hand case.” Students dissect Hawkins v. McGee on their first day of law school.

HAWKINS v. McGEE - Madisonian: Michael Madison on … the present case is the difference between the value to him of a perfect hand or a good hand, such as the jury found the defendant promised him, and the value of his hand in its present condition, including any incidental consequences fairly within the …

Hawkins v. McGee - Case Summary and Case Brief - Legal … 19 Apr 2017 · This case is the famous “hairy hand” case that virtually every law student studies in a first year Contracts class. Interestingly, the opinion never mentions that hair grew on Hawkins’ palm, but a subsequent case makes mention of that fact.

The Hairy Hand Case takes place in Hawkins v. McGee 14 Oct 2016 · The case involved a young boy named George Hawkins whose hand was badly scarred. A surgeon named Edward R. B. McGee promised that an operation, which entailed the grafting of skin from Hawkins’s chest onto his hand, would leave Hawkins with a 100% good hand.

Hawkins v. McGee - Wikipedia Hawkins v. McGee, 84 N.H. 114, 146 A. 641 (N.H. 1929), [1] is a leading case on damages in contracts handed down by the New Hampshire Supreme Court. It has come to be known as the "Hairy Hand" case from the circumstances, because a subsequent decision uses the phrase.

Hawkins v. McGee, 84 N.H. 114, 146 A. 641 (1929): Case Brief Get Hawkins v. McGee, 84 N.H. 114, 146 A. 641 (1929), New Hampshire Supreme Court, case facts, key issues, and holdings and reasonings online today. Written and curated by real attorneys at Quimbee.