MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Trichorrhexis nodosa

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Trichorrhexis nodosa

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Hair follicle anatomy

Definition Return to top

Trichorrhexis nodosa is a defect in the hair shaft characterized by thickening or weak points (nodes) that cause the hair to break off easily. This group of conditions contributes to the appearance of hair loss, lack of growth, and damaged-looking hair.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Trichorrhexis may have a genetic basis but appears to be precipitated by environmental factors. Among African Americans, the hair may appear not to grow but microscopic examination shows that the hair shafts have nodes or swellings near the scalp which fracture easily. The hair actually grows but is broken before it can become long. Among whites the defect often appears at the ends of the hair shaft with splitting of the ends, thinning and whitish discoloration.

These conditions are directly related to environmental causes such as "perming", blow drying, aggressive brushing, and excessive chemical exposure.

In some cases, trichorrhexis nodosa may be caused be an underlying disorder such as argininosuccinicaciduria, Menkes' kinky hair syndrome, Netherton's syndrome, hypothyroidism, or trichothiodystrophy.

Symptoms Return to top

lack of apparent hair growth
hair appears patchy
hair breaks easily close to scalp
hair may have thickenings or nodes in the shaft
ends of hair thinned or split
whitish discoloration of hair tips
hair breaks easily at tips

Signs and tests Return to top

Examination of the hair shafts with a microscope may reveal changes of trichorrhexis nodosa.

Treatment Return to top

Improving environmental factors will reduce damage to the hair. Gentle brushing with a soft brush should replace more aggressive brushing, ratting, or other procedures. Harsh chemicals such as straightening compounds and permanents should be avoided. The hair should not be ironed. Excessively harsh shampoo should be avoided. Hair conditioners should be used.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

This condition is self-limiting. Improvements in grooming techniques and in environmental conditions will correct the abnormality.

Complications Return to top

This condition is not dangerous but may affect self-esteem.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Try home care measures first (gentle brushing, avoiding chemicals, etc.). If there is no improvement, or if other symptoms begin to appear, call for an appointment with your health care provider.

Prevention Return to top

Avoid aggressive brushing and grooming, strong chemicals, permanents, straightening, and similar hair-damaging habits.

Update Date: 10/27/2003

Updated by: Jeffrey Drayer, M.D., Dermatologist, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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