Trichorrexis nodosa Flashcards
What is Trichorrhexis Nodosa (TN)?
TN is a hair shaft disorder characterized by increased hair fragility, impaired growth, and the presence of nodes or brush-like ends along the hair shaft, resulting from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental and physical factors.
How does TN manifest clinically?
Clinically, TN manifests as hair fragility, nodal appearance along the hair shaft, reduced hair length, variable hair texture, and normal scalp health without signs of inflammation or scarring.
What is the aetiology of TN?
TN’s aetiology is multifactorial, including genetic causes like idiopathic TN and syndromic TN (associated with disorders like Menkes’ disease and trichothiodystrophy), and acquired causes such as mechanical damage, heat and chemical trauma, nutritional deficiencies,and underlying systemic diseases.
What are the pathophysiological changes in TN?
Pathophysiological changes in TN primarily occur in the cortex of the hair shaft, where there’s a reduction in disulphide bonds, leading to weakened points that cause nodal fractures. This can be due to genetic mutations affecting hair structure or external factors like heat and chemical exposure.
How is TN diagnosed?
Diagnosis of TN involves patient history, physical examination, and microscopic examinations using trichoscopy and light microscopy, which reveal the typical ‘brush-like’ ends and ‘bamboo node’ appearance of the hair shaft.
What are the differential diagnoses for TN?
Differential diagnoses include Trichothiodystrophy (TTD), Monilethrix, Pili Torti, and Trichorrhexis Invaginata (Bamboo Hair), each characterized by distinct hair shaft abnormalities.
What are the treatment strategies for TN?
Treatment focuses on preventing further hair shaft damage through gentle hair care, limiting heat and chemical exposure, protective hairstyling, and using conditioning agents. Management of underlying conditions and potential surgical interventions like hair transplantation are also considered.
What self-care and prevention strategies are recommended for TN?
Strategies include a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, hydration of hair and scalp, protection from environmental damage, gentle handling of hair, avoiding heat and harsh chemicals, regular trimming, and routine dermatologic consultations.
What is the importance of understanding TN in trichology?
Understanding TN highlights the importance of the interplay between genetics, environmental influences, and hair care practices in hair health. It also underscores the psychosocial impact of hair disorders, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to management.
