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Trichorrhexis nodosa

Hair shaft fracture; Brittle hair; Fragile hair; Hair breakage

 

Trichorrhexis nodosa is a problem in which thickened or weak points (nodes) along the hair shaft cause your hair to break off easily.

Causes

 

Trichorrhexis nodosa can be an inherited condition.

Certain things you do to your hair such as blow-drying, over-brushing, perming, or excessive chemical use, appear to trigger the condition.

In some cases, trichorrhexis nodosa is caused be an underlying disorder, such as:

  • Thyroid not making enough thyroid hormone ( hypothyroidism )
  • Buildup of ammonia in the body (argininosuccinic aciduria)
  • Iron deficiency
  • Menkes syndrome ( Menkes kinky hair syndrome )
  • Group of conditions in which there is abnormal development of the skin, hair, nails, teeth, or sweat glands ( ectodermal dysplasia )
  • Trichothiodystrophy (inherited disorder that causes brittle hair, skin problems, and intellectual disability)

 

Symptoms

 

Your hair may break easily or it may appear like it is not growing.

In African Americans, looking at the scalp area using a microscope shows that the hair breaks off at the scalp area before it grows long.

In White, the problem often appears at the end of a hair shaft in the form of split ends, thinning hair, and hair tips that look white.

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will examine your hair and scalp. Some of your hairs will be checked under a microscope.

Blood tests may be ordered to check for anemia, thyroid disease, and other conditions.

 

Treatment

 

If you have a disorder that is causing your trichorrhexis nodosa, it will be treated.

Your provider may recommend measures to reduce damage to your hair such as:

  • Gentle brushing with a soft brush instead of aggressive brushing or ratting
  • Avoiding harsh chemicals such as those used in straightening compounds and perms
  • Not using a very hot hair dryer for long periods and not ironing the hair
  • Using a gentle shampoo and a hair conditioner

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Improving grooming techniques and avoiding products that damage hair will help correct the problem.

This condition is not dangerous, but may affect a person's self-esteem.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your provider if symptoms do not improve with changes in grooming and other home-care measures.

 

 

References

Habif TP. Hair diseases. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2016:chap 24.

Patterson JW. Diseases of cutaneous appendages. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon's Skin Pathology . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2015:chap 15.

 
  • Hair follicle anatomy - illustration

    At the base of the hair follicle are sensory nerve fibers that wrap around each hair bulb. Bending the hair stimulates the nerve endings allowing a person to feel that the hair has been moved. One of the main functions of hair is to act as a sensitive touch receptor. Sebaceous glands are also associated with each hair follicle that produce an oily secretion to help condition the hair and surrounding skin.

    Hair follicle anatomy

    illustration

    • Hair follicle anatomy - illustration

      At the base of the hair follicle are sensory nerve fibers that wrap around each hair bulb. Bending the hair stimulates the nerve endings allowing a person to feel that the hair has been moved. One of the main functions of hair is to act as a sensitive touch receptor. Sebaceous glands are also associated with each hair follicle that produce an oily secretion to help condition the hair and surrounding skin.

      Hair follicle anatomy

      illustration

    Tests for Trichorrhexis nodosa

     

       

      Review Date: 4/14/2015

      Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

      The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

       
       
       

       

       

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