Monilethrix: A case report

Abstract

In Monilethrix, the hair shaft is beaded and breaks easily. Elliptical nodes 0.7-1 mm apart, are separated by narrower internodes. Histologically, the follicles show wide and narrow zones corresponding to the nodes and internodes. Clinically, there is a considerable variation in age of onset, severity and course. Follicular keratosis is also seen on occiput and nape of neck. In many cases the condition persists with little change. A lady with her two children came to our OPD with complaint of complete loss of hair of her male child, aged 5 yrs, since birth and complete loss of eyebrows of her female child, aged 6 yrs, with diffuse loss of hair since birth. Their father also had hair loss with similar type of beaded hair. Papular eruptions could be seen all over the scalp and nape of neck. Oral gresiofulvin along with nutritional support was given to the children as treatment and prognosis was explained to the mother.

Keywords

• Momilthrix
• Beaded Hair
• Follicular Papules
• Gresiofulvin