Greasy Scaling Pityriasis Amiantacea And Alopecia: A Syndrome In Search Of A Cause

In 1985, a syndrome was described that involved localized areas of greasy scaling on the scalp, partial alopecia, and pityriasis amiantacea, with hair in the affected areas being easily pulled out, particularly in children. Although some symptoms were similar to tinea capitis, repeated fungal cultures yielded negative results. The condition was noted to be resistant to nonspecific treatments, but there were indications that griseofulvin may have led to slow improvement in two patients. The paper discussed this syndrome but concluded that a definitive cause had not yet been identified for this rare disorder.