Bubble hair

Abstract

An unusual hair dystrophy was studied by means of light and electron microscopy. Hair fibers demonstrated a boomerang deformity containing small and large "bubbles". Electron microscopy revealed a loss of cortical cells and medulla at these sites. Cross-section images showed either a single large cavity or a reticulated, "swiss cheese-like" loss of cells. These two cases represent the second and third reported cases of bubble hair deformity. We present the second light and electron microscopic study of this disorder, including new electron microscopic findings. The cause of bubble hair deformity remains obscure. The involved tufts of wiry hair resolved with gentle hair care. This suggests that trauma to the hair shaft may play a role. It is likely that additional cases of bubble hair remain unrecognized. Investigation of other patients with localized tufts of wiry hair is likely to reveal additional cases.

Diseases of cutaneous appendages

“…607 It presents with a localized area of brittle, easily broken hairs on the scalp. 607 It presents with a localized area of brittle, easily broken hairs on the scalp.…”

Bubble hair and other acquired hair shaft anomalies due to hot ironing on wet hair

“…Cross-section images showed either a single large cavity or a reticulated, “swiss cheese-like” loss of cells. [5]…”

“Bubble hair,” a report of two cases

“…The vacuoles vary in size and appear to distend their shafts. Electron microscopy of involved hair shafts reveals loss of cortical cells and medulla, with large cavities in some areas and reticulated “Swiss cheese‐like” loss of cells in others 7 . Detwiler et al 8 .…”