Plica Neuropathica: Bird's Nest Under Dermatoscope
May 2022
in “
International journal of trichology
”
TLDR Plica neuropathica is a tangled hair condition that may be caused by hair damage or psychiatric issues and is treated by cutting the hair and addressing mental health.
Plica neuropathica, also known as plica polonica, is a rare condition characterized by a mass of scalp hair with irregular twists and irreversibly entangled plaits, forming a firm, impenetrable mass of keratin mixed with dirt and exudates. The exact cause is unclear but may involve mechanical factors like friction, harsh shampoos, and poor hair care. A case of a 42-year-old woman with this condition showed hair matting with honey-colored concretions under dermatoscopy. Treatment involves cutting the matted hair and addressing any underlying psychiatric issues to prevent recurrence. Regular hair care and early psychiatric evaluation are recommended to avoid this condition.