Hair shaft disorders in children – An update

Abstract

Disorders of hair shaft are a diverse group of congenital and acquired abnormalities of the hair that can pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the dermatologists. Hair shaft abnormalities can occur as an isolated phenomenon or can be associated with an underlying genetic syndrome. Any change in the texture, appearance, and growth of the hair should prompt evaluation of the patient for the presence of any hair shaft anomaly. The diagnosis can be suggested by a complete history and physical examination of the hair-bearing areas as well as other ectodermal structures (nails and teeth). A key feature in the evaluation of hair shaft defects is to determine the fragility of the hair shaft that can be elucidated by performing the “tug test.” Trichoscopy and light microscopy serve as valuable tools in establishing the specific type of hair shaft disorder. An update of the approach for the diagnosis and management is included in this review.

Diagnostic Evaluation of Hair Loss: A Narrative Review

“…22,23 FFA also presents in the peri-menopausal and post-menopausal state, but usually manifests as receding hair line localised to the frontal and frontotemporal region. 1,9 Hormone Replacement Therapy…”

“…Other hair shaft abnormalities that may be observed include exclamation mark hairs (AA, trichotillomania, and AE), comma or corkscrew hairs (tinea capitis), and coiled or flame hairs (trichotillomania). 9,38 AA: alopecia areata; AGA: androgenetic alopecia; CCCA: central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia.…”