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Acquired Isolated Trichorrhexis Nodosa: A Tell Tale Sign of Hair Trauma
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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).
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.
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Patient’s consent not required as patient’s identity is not disclosed or compromised.
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