Rare Coexistence of Monilethrix and Trichorrhexis Nodosa in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report
January 2026
in “
Clinical Case Reports
”
TLDR A 6-year-old girl had both monilethrix and trichorrhexis nodosa, causing brittle hair, with minimal improvement from treatment.
This case report describes a 6-year-old girl with the rare coexistence of monilethrix and trichorrhexis nodosa, two distinct hair shaft disorders. Monilethrix is a genetic condition characterized by beaded hair shafts, while trichorrhexis nodosa results in brittle hair due to physical or chemical trauma. The patient exhibited sparse, brittle hair without any history of trauma or systemic disease. Diagnosis was confirmed through dermoscopy and light microscopy, revealing features of both conditions. Treatment included avoiding hair trauma and using oral biotin and minoxidil, which led to minimal improvement after 3 months. This case underscores the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of such rare co-occurrences and highlights the need for further research into their molecular mechanisms for better treatment strategies.