Trichorrhexis nodosa with nail dystrophy: Diagnosis by dermoscopy

Abstract

A 25-year-old male, born of non-consanguineous marriage presented with complaints of sparse and thin hairs over scalp and dystrophy of nails since childhood. This case highlights the association of trichorrhexis nodosa with nail dystrophy and the use of trichoscopy as a noninvasive method for diagnosis of hair disorders.

Trichoscopy as a diagnostic tool in trichorrhexis invaginata and Netherton syndrome

“… 4 - 6 This method also allows diagnosing other hair shaft genetic dystrophies, such as monilethrix, trichorrhexis nodosa, pili torti, pili annulati . 5 - 8 Electronic microscopy studies suggest that TI occurs due to a transient defect in the keratinization in the inner root sheath, which is keratinized but the hair shaft is not. It is suggested that the weakness in the hair cortical region arises from the incomplete sulfhydryl conversion into sulfide bridges in the cortical region.…”

“… 1 , 4 In recent years the application of trichoscopy has increased for diagnosing cicatricial and noncicatricial alopecias, inflammatory diseases and scalp hair shaft disorders such as monilethrix, trichorrhexis nodosa, pili torti, pili annulati and TI. 4 - 8 …”