Pili torti (singular pilus tortus; also known as "twisted hairs") is characterized by short and brittle hairs that appear flattened and twisted when viewed through a microscope.
[Freedberg, et al. (2003). ''Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine''. (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill. .][James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). ''Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology''. (10th ed.). Saunders. .]
This phenotype is noted in
Menkes disease
Menkes disease (MNK), also known as Menkes syndrome, is an X-linked recessive disorder caused by mutations in genes coding for the copper-transport protein ATP7A, leading to copper deficiency. Characteristic findings include kinky hair, growth ...
and
Lichen planopilaris
Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory and immune-mediated disease that affects the skin, nails, hair, and mucous membranes. It is not an actual lichen, and is only named that because it looks like one. It is characterized by polygonal, fla ...
. Pili torti can also occur after use of
retinoids, such as
isotretinoin
Isotretinoin, also known as 13-''cis''-retinoic acid and sold under the brand name Accutane among others, is a medication primarily used to treat severe acne. It is also used to prevent certain skin cancers ( squamous-cell carcinoma), and in t ...
.
See also
*
List of cutaneous conditions
*
Crandall syndrome
References
External links
Conditions of the skin appendages
Human hair
Hair diseases
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