Hair Shaft Defect in a Teenage Girl: Trichoscopy Saves the Day

In 2020, a case study was conducted on a 17-year-old girl who had been experiencing increased hair loss, frizzy rough hair, and an inability to grow hair beyond shoulder length since childhood. Despite previous treatments with biotin supplements and 2% minoxidil topical solution, her condition did not improve. Trichoscopy, a diagnostic technique for hair disorders, was used to examine her hair and scalp. The examination revealed regular variations in the diameter of the hair shaft with elliptical nodes separated by internodes, hair casts, and white scales in follicular and interfollicular areas. These findings led to the diagnosis of monilethrix, a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by hair fragility and inability to grow in length. The study highlighted the importance of trichoscopy in diagnosing hair shaft disorders, particularly in differentiating monilethrix from other similar conditions.