High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! X-linked hypertrichosis is a hereditary disorders characterized by generalized congenital hypertrichosis. Hypertrichosis describes hair growth on the body in an amount which is considered abnormal. There are two distinct types of hypertrichosis: generalized hypertrichosis, which occurs over the entire body, and localized hypertrichosis, which is restricted to a certain area. Hypertrichosis is either congenital (present at birth), or acquired later in life. The excess growth of hair occurs in areas of the skin with the exception of androgen-dependent hair of the pubic area, face, and axillary regions. Several circus sideshow performers in the 19th and early 20th centuries, such as Julia Pastrana, suffered from hypertrichosis.