hair
color and neurofibromatosis
Neurofibromas typically represent proliferation of the connective
tissue cells of peripheral nerves and deposition of collagenous
extra cellular matrix. Neurofibromas can cause a variety of symptoms
from physical lumps in the skin to non visible symptoms such as
deafness. Neurofibromas may occur in many locations - wherever connective
tissue is present. Skin is a common location for neurofibroma development.
In a minority of cases, neurofibromas in the skin can be associated
with increased, and occasionally decreased pigmentation. As a result,
skin neurofibromas can sometimes be visible as skin discoloration.
If the neurofibromas develop where there is lots of hair, as on
the scalp, the hair color may also be noticeably different. Hair
hyperpigmentation and poliosis due to neurofibromatosis have each
been described.
The presence of neurofibromas can also alter the nature of hair
growth in the immediate vicinity. Hair whorls have been reported
occurring above a neurofibroma. Hypertrichosis in the vicinity of
a neurofibroma may also be found.
The primary treatment for skin located neurofibromas is surgery
to remove the cell mass. Any affected skin and hair may also be
cut out if the lesion is small.
Hair
color and neurofibromatosis references
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