Trichorrhexis nodosa is a defect in the hair shaft characterized by thickening or weak points (nodes) that cause the hair to break off easily.James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). ''Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology''. (10th ed.). Saunders. .Freedberg, et al. (2003). ''Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine''. (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill. . This group of conditions contributes to the appearance of

hair loss Hair loss, also known as alopecia or baldness, refers to a loss of hair from part of the head or body. Typically at least the head is involved. The severity of hair loss can vary from a small area to the entire body. Inflammation or scar ...

, lack of growth, and damaged-looking hair.

Symptoms

Among the symptoms (and signs) for this condition are the following: * lack of apparent hair growth * hair appears patchy * hair breaks easily close to scalp * hair may have thickenings or nodes in the shaft * ends of hair thinned or

split Split(s) or The Split may refer to: Places * Split, Croatia, the largest coastal city in Croatia * Split Island, Canada, an island in the Hudson Bay * Split Island, Falkland Islands * Split Island, Fiji, better known as Hạfliua Arts, entertai ...

* whitish discoloration of hair tips * hair breaks easily at tips

Complications

This condition is not dangerous but may affect self-esteem.

Causes

Trichorrhexis may have a genetic basis but appears to be precipitated by

environment Environment most often refers to: __NOTOC__ * Natural environment, all living and non-living things occurring naturally * Biophysical environment, the physical and biological factors along with their chemical interactions that affect an organism or ...

al factors. Among Caucasians the defect often appears at the ends of the hair shaft with splitting of the ends, thinning and whitish discoloration. These conditions are directly related to environmental causes such as " perming", blow drying, aggressive

hair brushing Hair care is an overall term for hygiene and cosmetology involving the hair which grows from the human scalp, and to a lesser extent facial, pubic and other body hair. Hair care routines differ according to an individual's culture and the physic ...

, and excessive chemical exposure. In some cases, trichorrhexis nodosa may be caused by an underlying disorder such as

argininosuccinic aciduria Argininosuccinic aciduria is an inherited disorder that causes the accumulation of argininosuccinic acid (also known as "ASA") in the blood and urine. Some patients may also have an elevation of ammonia, a toxic chemical, which can affect the nervo ...

, Menkes' kinky hair syndrome,

Netherton's syndrome Netherton syndrome is a severe, autosomal recessive form of ichthyosis associated with mutations in the ''SPINK5'' gene. It is named after Earl W. Netherton (1910–1985), an American dermatologist who discovered it in 1958.Netherton, E. W. A u ...

, hypothyroidism, or

trichothiodystrophy Trichothiodystrophy (TTD) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder characterised by brittle hair and intellectual impairment. The word breaks down into ''tricho'' – "hair", '' thio'' – "sulphur", and ''dystrophy'' – "wasting away" or li ...

Diagnosis

Examination of the hair shafts with a microscope may reveal changes of trichorrhexis nodosa.

Prevention

Avoid aggressive brushing and grooming, strong chemicals, permanents, straightening, and similar hair-damaging habits.

Treatment

Improving environmental factors will reduce damage to the hair. Gentle brushing with a soft brush should replace more aggressive brushing, ratting, or other procedures. Harsh chemicals such as

hair straightening Hair straightening is a hair styling technique used since the 1890s involving the flattening and straightening of hair in order to give it a smooth, streamlined, and sleek appearance. It became very popular during the 1950s among black males and ...

compounds and permanents should be avoided. The hair should not be ironed. Excessively harsh

shampoo Shampoo () is a hair care product, typically in the form of a Viscosity, viscous liquid, that is used for cleaning hair. Less commonly, shampoo is available in solid bar format. Shampoo is used by applying it to wet hair, massaging the product ...

should be avoided. Hair conditioners should be used.

Prognosis

This condition is self-limiting. Improvements in grooming techniques and in environmental conditions will correct the abnormality.

Notes

References

External links

{{Disorders of skin appendages Conditions of the skin appendages