Trichorrhexis nodosa is a defect in the

hair Hair is a protein filament that grows from follicles found in the dermis. Hair is one of the defining characteristics of mammals. The human body, apart from areas of glabrous skin, is covered in follicles which produce thick terminal and ...

shaft characterized by thickening or weak points (nodes) that cause the hair to break off easily.Freedberg, et al. (2003). ''Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine''. (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill. . This group of conditions contributes to the appearance of

hair loss Hair loss, also known as alopecia or baldness, refers to a loss of hair from part of the head or body. Typically at least the head is involved. The severity of hair loss can vary from a small area to the entire body. Inflammation or scarring ...

, lack of growth, and damaged-looking hair.

Symptoms

Among the symptoms (and signs) for this condition are the following: * lack of apparent hair growth * hair appears patchy * hair breaks easily close to scalp * hair may have thickenings or nodes in the shaft * ends of hair thinned or

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* whitish discoloration of hair tips * hair breaks easily at tips

Complications

This condition is not dangerous but may affect

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Causes

Trichorrhexis may have a genetic basis but appears to be precipitated by environmental factors. Among Caucasians the defect often appears at the ends of the hair shaft with splitting of the ends, thinning and whitish discoloration. These conditions are directly related to environmental causes such as " perming", blow drying, aggressive hair brushing, and excessive chemical exposure. In some cases, trichorrhexis nodosa may be caused by an underlying disorder such as argininosuccinic aciduria, Menkes' kinky hair syndrome, Netherton's syndrome,

hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disease in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. It can cause a number of symptoms, such as cold intolerance, poor ability to tolerate cold, fatigue, extreme fatigue, muscle aches, co ...

, or

trichothiodystrophy Trichothiodystrophy (TTD) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder characterised by brittle hair and intellectual impairment. The word breaks down into ''tricho'' – "hair", '' thio'' – "sulphur", and ''dystrophy'' – "wasting away" or lit ...

Diagnosis

Examination of the hair shafts with a microscope may reveal changes of trichorrhexis nodosa.

Prevention

Avoid aggressive brushing and grooming, strong chemicals, permanents, straightening, and similar hair-damaging habits.

Treatment

Improving environmental factors will reduce damage to the hair. Gentle brushing with a soft brush should replace more aggressive brushing, ratting, or other procedures. Harsh chemicals such as

hair straightening Hair straightening is a hair styling technique used since the 1890s involving the flattening and straightening of hair in order to give it a smooth, streamlined, and sleek appearance. It became very popular during the 1950s among black males and ...

compounds and permanents should be avoided. The hair should not be ironed. Excessively harsh

shampoo Shampoo () is a hair care product, typically in the form of a viscous liquid, that is formulated to be used for cleaning (scalp) hair. Less commonly, it is available in solid bar format. (" Dry shampoo" is a separate product.) Shampoo is use ...

should be avoided. Hair conditioners should be used.

Prognosis

This condition is self-limiting. Improvements in grooming techniques and in environmental conditions will correct the abnormality.

References

External links

{{Disorders of skin appendages Conditions of the skin appendages Hair diseases