Hair casts: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Hair casts | |||
| synonyms = [[Pseudonits]], [[peripilar keratin casts]] | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| symptoms = White, cylindrical structures encircling the hair shaft | |||
| complications = None | |||
| onset = Any age | |||
| duration = Variable | |||
| causes = Unknown, possibly related to [[seborrheic dermatitis]] or [[psoriasis]] | |||
| risks = None | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical examination, differentiation from [[lice]] | |||
| differential = [[Pediculosis capitis]], [[dandruff]], [[trichorrhexis nodosa]] | |||
| treatment = Gentle hair washing, [[keratolytic]] agents | |||
| prognosis = Excellent | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
'''Hair casts''' or '''pseudonits''' are thin, elongated, cylindrical concretions that encircle the hair shaft and can be easily dislodged. They are usually white or yellowish in color and can be seen in normal individuals and in those with various scalp disorders. | '''Hair casts''' or '''pseudonits''' are thin, elongated, cylindrical concretions that encircle the hair shaft and can be easily dislodged. They are usually white or yellowish in color and can be seen in normal individuals and in those with various scalp disorders. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Hair casts can be caused by a variety of factors, including: | Hair casts can be caused by a variety of factors, including: | ||
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* [[Scalp conditions]]: Certain scalp conditions, such as [[seborrheic dermatitis]], [[psoriasis]], and [[tinea capitis]], can cause hair casts. | * [[Scalp conditions]]: Certain scalp conditions, such as [[seborrheic dermatitis]], [[psoriasis]], and [[tinea capitis]], can cause hair casts. | ||
* [[Hair care practices]]: Certain hair care practices, such as excessive use of hair products or infrequent shampooing, can lead to the formation of hair casts. | * [[Hair care practices]]: Certain hair care practices, such as excessive use of hair products or infrequent shampooing, can lead to the formation of hair casts. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Hair casts are usually diagnosed by a [[dermatologist]] through a physical examination of the scalp and hair. The dermatologist may also use a [[dermatoscope]] to examine the hair shafts more closely. In some cases, a [[biopsy]] of the scalp may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. | Hair casts are usually diagnosed by a [[dermatologist]] through a physical examination of the scalp and hair. The dermatologist may also use a [[dermatoscope]] to examine the hair shafts more closely. In some cases, a [[biopsy]] of the scalp may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
The treatment for hair casts depends on the underlying cause. If the casts are caused by a scalp condition, the dermatologist may prescribe a medicated shampoo or topical treatment. If the casts are caused by hair care practices, the dermatologist may recommend changes in these practices. | The treatment for hair casts depends on the underlying cause. If the casts are caused by a scalp condition, the dermatologist may prescribe a medicated shampoo or topical treatment. If the casts are caused by hair care practices, the dermatologist may recommend changes in these practices. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Hair shaft disorders]] | * [[Hair shaft disorders]] | ||
* [[Scalp conditions]] | * [[Scalp conditions]] | ||
* [[Dermatology]] | * [[Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Hair disorders]] | [[Category:Hair disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Scalp conditions]] | [[Category:Scalp conditions]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 05:15, 4 April 2025
| Hair casts | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Pseudonits, peripilar keratin casts |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | White, cylindrical structures encircling the hair shaft |
| Complications | None |
| Onset | Any age |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Unknown, possibly related to seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis |
| Risks | None |
| Diagnosis | Clinical examination, differentiation from lice |
| Differential diagnosis | Pediculosis capitis, dandruff, trichorrhexis nodosa |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Gentle hair washing, keratolytic agents |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Excellent |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Hair casts or pseudonits are thin, elongated, cylindrical concretions that encircle the hair shaft and can be easily dislodged. They are usually white or yellowish in color and can be seen in normal individuals and in those with various scalp disorders.
Causes[edit]
Hair casts can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Keratin build-up: This is the most common cause of hair casts. Keratin is a protein that makes up the hair shaft. When it builds up on the scalp, it can form a cast around the hair shaft.
- Scalp conditions: Certain scalp conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and tinea capitis, can cause hair casts.
- Hair care practices: Certain hair care practices, such as excessive use of hair products or infrequent shampooing, can lead to the formation of hair casts.
Diagnosis[edit]
Hair casts are usually diagnosed by a dermatologist through a physical examination of the scalp and hair. The dermatologist may also use a dermatoscope to examine the hair shafts more closely. In some cases, a biopsy of the scalp may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment[edit]
The treatment for hair casts depends on the underlying cause. If the casts are caused by a scalp condition, the dermatologist may prescribe a medicated shampoo or topical treatment. If the casts are caused by hair care practices, the dermatologist may recommend changes in these practices.
