Hair Casts

Hair casts, also known as pseudonits, are circumferential concretions that encircle hair shafts and can be easily removed. This case study described an 8-year-old girl with hair casts, which were mistaken for nits but were easily dislodged and not associated with itching or hair loss. The girl had a history of developmental delay, and her condition was not seen in other family members. Hair casts are more common in females, and their exact cause is unknown, though they may be linked to scalp conditions, hair styling, or psychological trauma. Differentiating hair casts from pediculosis capitis is crucial, as the latter is itchier and harder to remove. Treatment with retinoic acid combined with manual removal showed the best results, though recurrence was common.