An Update of Hair Shaft Disorders

October 1996 in “ Dermatologic clinics ”

R.P.R. Dawber

hair shaft disorders congenital hair shaft abnormalities hereditary hair shaft abnormalities clinical characteristics microscopic characteristics topical selective gene therapy hair follicle faults molecular genetics clinical diagnostic criteria laboratory diagnostic criteria hair shaft anomalies increased fragility alopecia weathering process gene therapy hair follicle hair fragility hair loss

Studysummary This review outlines the diagnostic criteria for congenital and hereditary hair shaft abnormalities and emphasizes the need to understand the weathering process in assessing these disorders.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document provided an update on various hair shaft disorders, detailing their history, nomenclature, and characteristics. It discussed the concept of hair weathering due to cosmetic procedures and described specific conditions such as monilethrix, pseudomonilethrix, pili torti, Björnstad's syndrome, Menkes' kinky hair disease, Netherton's syndrome, and trichothiodystrophy. Each condition was elaborated with historical context, clinical features, and inheritance patterns. The document highlighted the importance of hair microscopy in diagnosing these disorders and noted the genetic and biochemical underpinnings of some conditions, such as the copper metabolism defect in Menkes' disease and the low sulfur content in trichothiodystrophy.

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