Monilethrix
Monilethrix (also referred to as beaded hair)[1] is a rare autosomal dominant hair disease that results in short, fragile, broken hair that appears beaded.[2][3] It comes from the Latin word for necklace (monile) and the Greek word for hair (thrix).[4]
Presentation[edit | edit source]
The presentation may be of alopecia (baldness). Individuals vary in severity of symptoms. Nail deformities may also be present as well as hair follicle keratosis and follicular hyperkeratosis.
Cause[edit | edit source]
Monilethrix is caused by mutations affecting the genes KRTHB1 (KRT81), KRTHB3 (KRT83), or KRTHB6 (KRT86) which code for type II hair cortex keratins.[5] The disorder is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.[2] This means that the defective gene(s) responsible for the disorder is located on an autosome, and only one copy of the gene is sufficient to cause the disorder, when inherited from a parent who has the disorder.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Monilethrix may be diagnosed with trichoscopy.[6][7]
Management[edit | edit source]
- Unfortunately, the is no cure for monilethrix.
- 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.
- The systemic administration of vitamins, retinoids, griseofulvin, oral contraceptives, steroids, radiation therapy, external desquamative ointments, and steroid preparations have not show impressive results.
- Avoiding trauma is perhaps the most effective method of managing monilethrix.
- This is because from birth, the hair of individuals with monilethrix tends to have an increased susceptibility to weathering and cosmetic damage (e.g., sunlight exposure, dyeing, bleaching, perming, curling).
- This susceptibility to damage can prevent hair from growing to its maximum length.
See also[edit | edit source]
- List of cutaneous conditions
- List of conditions caused by problems with junctional proteins
- List of cutaneous conditions caused by mutations in keratins
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
| Classification | |
|---|---|
| External resources |
 | This genetic disorder article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Deepika vegiraju, Prab R. Tumpati, MD
