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Pseudo
monilethrix
Pseudo monilethrix gives hair fibers a similar look to monilethrix
to the casual observer with apparent beads along the length. However,
the beads are actually flattened sections of a fiber with an oval
or circular cross section.
Under a microscope the fibers look as though someone has stamped
on them at intervals along their length and made the fiber bulge
out. The squashed areas are irregularly spaced along the fiber and
there is no apparent defect in the structure with the cuticle and
cortex intact. The fibers are not weak due to the defect but pseudo
monilethrix is more likely to develop in weak thin hair as might
be present after chemical bleaching and perming. Pseudo monilethrix
can develop as a result of excessive styling, back combing or anything
that puts excessive stress on the hair fiber. Usually there is no
association alopecia unless the trauma to the hair was so excessive
as to break it.
Pseudo monilethrix usually develops sporadically but in some cases
it can be genetically inherited with an autosomal dominant pattern.
Pseudo monilethrix can be found in association with other defects
such as trichorrhexis nodosa and bubble hair. Treatment requires
reducing or removing excessive styling and chemical processing.
Pseudo
monilethrix references
- Bentley-Phillips B, Bayliss MA. Letter:
Pseudo-monilethrix. Br J Dermatol. 1975 Jan;92(1):113-4.
- Phillips BB, Bayles MA, Grace HJ. Pseudo-monilethrix:
further family studies. Humangenetik. 1974;25(4):331-7.
- Bentley-Phillips B, Bayles MA. A previously
undescribed hereditary hair anomaly (pseudo-monilethrix). Br J
Dermatol. 1973 Aug;89(2):159-67.
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