Plica Polonica in a Patient on Chemotherapy: A Case Report with Review of Literature
January 2017
in “
International Journal of Trichology
”
TLDR Chemotherapy and certain hair care practices can cause severe hair matting.
This case report described an unusual occurrence of plica polonica in a patient undergoing chemotherapy for lung adenocarcinoma. The condition, characterized by irreversible twisting and matting of hair, was attributed to anagen effluvium caused by chemotherapy drugs paclitaxel and carboplatin, as well as the patient's use of an uncustomary shampoo. The report highlighted that while the exact mechanism of plica polonica was not fully understood, factors such as vigorous friction, harsh hair products, poor hair care, and neglect could contribute to its development.