TLDR Hair shaft dysplasias are abnormal hair conditions that can be inherited or acquired and may signal other health issues, with limited treatment options available.
The 1988 document describes hair shaft dysplasias as structural abnormalities of the hair that can be congenital, hereditary, or acquired, and may indicate underlying diseases. It categorizes these dysplasias into those with increased fragility, such as monilethrix and trichorrhexis nodosa, and those without, like pili annulati and woolly hair. The document details various dysplasias, their clinical presentations, genetic transmission, and associated conditions. It highlights the importance of distinguishing these dysplasias from hair damage caused by external factors and acknowledges the lack of effective treatments, recommending the avoidance of physical and chemical trauma. Some conditions may improve with time or therapies like biotin or zinc. The document also includes a list of references on hair disorders and briefly mentions Brazilian Purpuric Fever, unrelated to hair disorders.
19 citations
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October 1985 in “British Journal of Dermatology” The document concludes that unruly hair can be congenital or acquired, often lacks specific treatments, and can be managed with oils and short hairstyles.
42 citations
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September 1985 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Trichothiodystrophy causes abnormal protein deposits and distortion in hair follicles.
33 citations
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August 1985 in “Archives of Dermatology” Acquired Progressive Kinking of Hair is likely an early sign of male pattern baldness.
101 citations
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July 1985 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” 34 citations
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December 1984 in “Journal of Cutaneous Pathology” Monilethrix hair issues are due to problems in the hair's internodes.
175 citations
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December 1980 in “Archives of Dermatology” Trichothiodystrophy is a condition with brittle hair and various physical and mental issues due to low sulfur in proteins.
28 citations
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July 1980 in “British Journal of Dermatology” The hair disorder was caused by abnormal protein formation, making hair easily damaged.
26 citations
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December 1979 in “Journal of Cutaneous Pathology” Seborrheic keratoses may partly come from hair follicle cells.
58 citations
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November 1969 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Netherton's disease causes multiple hair defects.
74 citations
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July 2008 in “Journal of Dermatological Case Reports” Trichoscopy is a quick and easy way to diagnose most genetic hair problems without invasive methods.
36 citations
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August 2018 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Trichoscopy is a useful tool for diagnosing hair disorders without pulling out hair.
33 citations
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June 2016 in “Pediatric Dermatology” Some congenital hair disorders improve in childhood or with treatments like minoxidil and retinoids, while others like Netherton syndrome and trichothiodystrophy have a poor prognosis.
26 citations
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July 2019 in “Dermatology and Therapy” The conclusion is that genetic testing is important for diagnosing and treating various genetic hair disorders.
44 citations
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January 2005 in “Dermatology” Hair problems can be caused by genetics or the environment, and treatment should focus on the cause and reducing hair damage.