Translate this page into:
Acquired Isolated Trichorrhexis Nodosa: A Tell Tale Sign of Hair Trauma
*Corresponding author: Arun C. Inamadar, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Shri B M Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, BLDE (Deemed to be University), Vijayapur, Karnataka, India. aruninamadar@gmail.com
-
Received: ,
Accepted: ,
How to cite this article: Adya KA, Inamadar AC. Acquired Isolated Trichorrhexis Nodosa: A Tell Tale Sign of Hair Trauma. Indian J Postgrad Dermatol 2023;1:140-1.
A young man, habituated to fiddling with his moustache, complained of its ‘interrupted growth’ due to breaking. Examination showed flaking and white dots on the hair shafts [Figure 1a and b]. Trichoscopy revealed nodes along the shafts, broken hairs and trichoptilosis [Figure 1c]. Microscopy showed an appearance of ‘two paint brushes thrust in together’ confirming trichorrhexis nodosa [Figure 1d].
![Flaking and white dots on the moustache hairs (a). Closer view showing broken hairs of varying lengths with grey-white dots (white arrows) on the hair shafts (b). Trichoscopy showing white nodes along the hair shafts (white arrows) through which the hairs break (yellow arrow). Also note broken hairs of varying lengths and frayed tips (blue arrow) (c, handyscope [FotoFinder® systems GmbH, Bavaria, Germany], Polarised, ×20). Light microscopy showing an appearance of two paint brushes thrust in together’ (d, ×10).](/content/146/2023/1/2/img/IJPGD-1-140-g001.png)
- Flaking and white dots on the moustache hairs (a). Closer view showing broken hairs of varying lengths with grey-white dots (white arrows) on the hair shafts (b). Trichoscopy showing white nodes along the hair shafts (white arrows) through which the hairs break (yellow arrow). Also note broken hairs of varying lengths and frayed tips (blue arrow) (c, handyscope [FotoFinder® systems GmbH, Bavaria, Germany], Polarised, ×20). Light microscopy showing an appearance of two paint brushes thrust in together’ (d, ×10).
Trichorrhexis nodosa is characterised by nodes along the hair shaft leading to breakage. Acquired localised form is common due to physical or chemical trauma. Characteristic clinical, trichoscopic and microscopic features are as described above. Removal of inciting factor(s) is the treatment.
Declaration of patient consent
Patient’s consent not required as patient’s identity is not disclosed or compromised.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
