Trichoscopy in Genetic Hair Shaft Abnormalities

July 2008 in “ Journal of Dermatological Case Reports ”

Adriana Rakowska, Monika Słowińska, Elżbieta Kowalska-Olędzka, Lidia Rudnicka

trichoscopy genetic hair shaft abnormalities Netherton syndrome monilethrix woolly hair syndrome pili torti pili annulati trichothiodystrophy

Studysummary This study found that trichoscopy can diagnose genetic hair shaft abnormalities without plucking or cutting hair, by visualizing characteristic features in a single session. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

In 2008, a study involving 13 patients with known hair shaft disorders explored the use of trichoscopy, a non-invasive hair and scalp examination method, for diagnosing genetic hair shaft abnormalities. The study found that trichoscopy could effectively identify characteristic features of several conditions, including Netherton syndrome, monilethrix, woolly hair syndrome, pili torti, and pili annulati, without the need for invasive procedures. However, it was insufficient for diagnosing trichothiodystrophy, a condition characterized by brittle hair. The study concluded that trichoscopy could be a quick, easy, and patient-friendly method for diagnosing most hair shaft abnormalities.

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Research cited in this study

12 / 12 results

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The Hair Shaft: Normality, Abnormality, and Genetics