lanugokarvoituksen

Lanugokarvoituksen refers to the presence of lanugo, a fine, downy hair that covers the body of a fetus during pregnancy. This hair typically appears around the fifth month of gestation and is usually shed before birth, often replaced by vellus hair. In some cases, lanugo may persist after birth, particularly in premature infants.

The function of lanugo is thought to be protective, helping to hold the vernix caseosa, a greasy substance that covers the fetus, in place. Vernix caseosa itself is believed to protect the fetal skin from drying out in the amniotic fluid and to aid in thermoregulation. The shedding of lanugo is a natural developmental process.

While lanugo is a normal fetal characteristic, its persistence after birth can sometimes be associated with certain medical conditions, though it is often benign. In adults, the reappearance of lanugo-like hair can be a sign of an underlying medical issue, such as an eating disorder (anorexia nervosa) or certain types of cancer. In these adult cases, the body may grow lanugo as a compensatory mechanism for heat loss due to a lack of body fat. Medical evaluation is typically recommended if lanugo is observed in individuals where it is not expected.