How is monilethrix treated?
Some patients have reported spontaneous improvement, particularly during puberty and pregnancy, but the condition rarely disappears completely. While there is no recognized definitive treatment for monilethrix, oral acitretin and topical 2% minoxidil have shown good clinical and cosmetic results with continued use.
What does monilethrix mean?
Monilethrix is a condition that affects hair growth. Its most characteristic feature is that individual strands of hair have a beaded appearance like the beads of a necklace. The name monilethrix comes from the Latin word for necklace (monile) and the Greek word for hair (thrix).
Is monilethrix inherited?
In most cases, monilethrix is inherited as an autosomal genetic trait. Genetic diseases are determined by two genes, one received from the father and one from the mother. Dominant genetic disorders occur when only a single copy of an abnormal gene is necessary for the appearance of the disease.
Where does beaded hair come from?
Monilethrix, or beaded hair, is an inherited condition whereby strands of hair take on the appearance of beads on a necklace when viewed under a microscope1. This very distinct shape is caused by the diameter of the hair shaft changing throughout the length of the hair.
What are congenital canities?
Congenital canities occur at or before birth primarily in albinos or occasionally on people with normal hair. Acquired Canities refers to the loss of pigment in the hair as a person ages or an onset may happen in early adult life. Other causes of canities may be extended illness, nervous strain or heredity.
What is plica Polonica?
Plica polonica is an uncommon condition characterized by diffuse matting of hair. It can be caused by various conditions such as psychiatric illnesses, pediculosis, pyoderma scalp and shampoos. It was prevalent in Poland in the 19th century, hence the name plica polonica or polish plait.
What are congenital Canities?
What is the background to the disorder monilethrix?
Background. Monilethrix is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by a beaded appearance of the hair due to periodic thinning of the shaft. The phenotype results in hair fragility and patchy dystrophic alopecia. The term monilethrix is derived from monile (Latin), which means necklace, and thrix (Greek), which means hair.
What kind of treatment can I take for monilethrix?
The systemic administration of vitamins, retinoids, griseofulvin, oral contraceptives, steroids, radiation therapy and external desquamative ointments, steroid preparations, and minoxidil does not show impressive results.
What happens to your hair if you have monilethrix?
Congenitally abnormal hair tends to have an increased susceptibility to weathering and cosmetic damage (eg, sunlight exposure, dyeing, bleaching, perming, curling), which can prevent hair from growing to its maximum length.
Where does the name monilethrix come from and why?
The term monilethrix is derived from monile (Latin), which means necklace, and thrix (Greek), which means hair. This term indicates the resemblance of the hair to a string of beads or a necklace.
