Plica Polonica in a Patient on Chemotherapy: A Case Report with Review of Literature

This case report described a 48-year-old female with lung adenocarcinoma undergoing chemotherapy who developed plica polonica, a condition characterized by severe matting of hair. The patient experienced sudden hair loss and entanglement after starting chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin, which led to difficulty in combing. The use of a new shampoo exacerbated the matting, resulting in a hard mass of hair. Examination revealed diffuse nonscarring alopecia and matted hair resembling a bird's nest. The condition was attributed to anagen effluvium from chemotherapy and the use of an unfamiliar shampoo. The recommended treatment was cutting the matted hair, and the patient was counseled on chemotherapy-related hair loss and hair care.