Value of Dermoscopy for the Diagnosis of Monilethrix
January 2017
in “
Dermatology online journal
”
TLDR Dermoscopy helped diagnose a rare hair disorder in a 2-year-old boy.
The document discussed the value of dermoscopy in diagnosing monilethrix, a rare hereditary hair shaft anomaly. A 2-year-old boy with diffuse alopecia and fragile hair was examined. Trichoscopy revealed characteristic features of monilethrix, such as zones of dystrophic constriction and elliptical nodes, leading to the diagnosis. Despite the absence of familial cases, the diagnosis was confirmed, suggesting a possible de novo mutation. The study highlighted the importance of dermoscopy in identifying monilethrix, especially in challenging cases without a family history.