Acquired Progressive Kinking of the Hair

Diffuse partial woolly hair in a patient with epidermolysis bullosa simplex with mottled pigmentation

“…[5] In the first case, the differential diagnosis would have to be made from partial diffuse woolly hair associated with the loose anagen hair syndrome,[4] and in the latter from acquired kinking of the hair in androgenetic alopecia. [6] Our case fulfills the criteria for diagnosis of DPWH, and we interpret androgenetic alopecia to represent a co-morbidity. Accordingly, treatment with topical minoxidil solution targeted the androgenetic alopecia component.…”

Whisker hair (acquired progressive kinking of the hair): An indication for finasteride 1 mg?

“…even if five of them were under treatment with topical minoxidil, developed androgenetic alopecia along the follow-up period (mean 4.5 years). [ 4 ] Higher concentrations of dihydrotestosterone[ 5 ] in the scalp as well as miniaturization of the hair follicle and a decreased anagen to telogen ratio[ 4 ] have been reported in these patients. Moreover, Norwood proposed that patients with whisker hair might not only develop normal androgenetic alopecia but would also loose the hair around his ears and occipital area, where the curly hair was previously.…”

Acquired Progressive Kinking of the Hair

“…Scalp biopsy specimen findings were nonspecific (3,4,9,10) in the few individuals who have been sampled. Some investigators have proposed that APKH is a variant of androgenetic alopecia for the following reasons (3,6,9,11): its onset occurs around puberty when hormonal changes may play a role; there is an increased scalp concentration of dihydrotestosterone (6); the altered hair mimics the appearance of secondary sexual hair; the affected areas have the same distribution as that seen in male pattern baldness; in some patients this condition evolved into androgenetic alopecia; and there is a decreased anagen: telogen ratio.…”

“…More than 6 months after her last evaluation by us, the parents reported that our patient's condition had rapidly progressed to involve 60% of her scalp hair and that the hair had become curlier and unmanageable. Some patients, especially males, can have progression to hair thinning and androgenetic alopecia (11), some have no progression (2), and some have a complete return to normal hair (3,12). Female or prepubertal patients and those with non‐androgen‐dependent areas of scalp involvement tend to have a better prognosis (3,11,12).…”

“…Some patients, especially males, can have progression to hair thinning and androgenetic alopecia (11), some have no progression (2), and some have a complete return to normal hair (3,12). Female or prepubertal patients and those with non‐androgen‐dependent areas of scalp involvement tend to have a better prognosis (3,11,12). Since APKH is so rare, further accumulation of patients and longer follow‐up are needed to better understand its pathogenesis and course.…”