Woolly hair: Difference between revisions
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Woolly | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
[[File:Naxos_disease.jpg| | | name = Woolly hair | ||
| image = [[File:Naxos_disease.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Woolly hair in a patient with Naxos disease | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| symptoms = [[Curly hair]], [[frizzy hair]], [[brittle hair]] | |||
| complications = | |||
| onset = [[Birth]] or [[early childhood]] | |||
| duration = [[Lifelong]] | |||
| causes = [[Genetic mutation]] | |||
| risks = | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical examination]], [[genetic testing]] | |||
| differential = [[Trichorrhexis nodosa]], [[Monilethrix]] | |||
| treatment = [[Supportive care]] | |||
| medication = | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
| deaths = | |||
}} | |||
'''Woolly hair''' is a rare condition characterized by tightly coiled hair that resembles wool. It can occur as an isolated finding or as part of a syndrome. Woolly hair is often inherited and can be associated with other abnormalities, particularly affecting the skin and heart. | '''Woolly hair''' is a rare condition characterized by tightly coiled hair that resembles wool. It can occur as an isolated finding or as part of a syndrome. Woolly hair is often inherited and can be associated with other abnormalities, particularly affecting the skin and heart. | ||
==Characteristics== | ==Characteristics== | ||
Woolly hair is distinguished by its fine, tightly curled texture. The hair shaft is often elliptical in cross-section, which contributes to its unique appearance. Individuals with woolly hair may have hair that is more fragile and prone to breakage. | Woolly hair is distinguished by its fine, tightly curled texture. The hair shaft is often elliptical in cross-section, which contributes to its unique appearance. Individuals with woolly hair may have hair that is more fragile and prone to breakage. | ||
==Genetics== | ==Genetics== | ||
Woolly hair can be inherited in an [[autosomal dominant]] or [[autosomal recessive]] manner. The genetic basis of woolly hair involves mutations in several genes, including those that encode proteins important for hair shaft formation and structure. | Woolly hair can be inherited in an [[autosomal dominant]] or [[autosomal recessive]] manner. The genetic basis of woolly hair involves mutations in several genes, including those that encode proteins important for hair shaft formation and structure. | ||
[[File:Autosomal_dominant_and_recessive.svg|left|thumb|Illustration of autosomal dominant and recessive inheritance patterns.]] | |||
[[File:Autosomal_dominant_and_recessive.svg|thumb | |||
===Autosomal Dominant Inheritance=== | ===Autosomal Dominant Inheritance=== | ||
In autosomal dominant inheritance, a single copy of the mutated gene is sufficient to cause the condition. This means that an affected individual has a 50% chance of passing the trait to their offspring. | In autosomal dominant inheritance, a single copy of the mutated gene is sufficient to cause the condition. This means that an affected individual has a 50% chance of passing the trait to their offspring. | ||
===Autosomal Recessive Inheritance=== | ===Autosomal Recessive Inheritance=== | ||
In autosomal recessive inheritance, two copies of the mutated gene are necessary for the condition to manifest. Individuals with only one copy of the mutated gene are carriers and do not typically show symptoms. | In autosomal recessive inheritance, two copies of the mutated gene are necessary for the condition to manifest. Individuals with only one copy of the mutated gene are carriers and do not typically show symptoms. | ||
==Associated Conditions== | ==Associated Conditions== | ||
Woolly hair can be a feature of several syndromes, including: | Woolly hair can be a feature of several syndromes, including: | ||
* '''[[Naxos disease]]''': A condition characterized by woolly hair, palmoplantar keratoderma, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. | * '''[[Naxos disease]]''': A condition characterized by woolly hair, palmoplantar keratoderma, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. | ||
* '''Carvajal syndrome''': Similar to Naxos disease, but with left ventricular involvement. | * '''Carvajal syndrome''': Similar to Naxos disease, but with left ventricular involvement. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of woolly hair is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the hair. Genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific mutation involved. | Diagnosis of woolly hair is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the hair. Genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific mutation involved. | ||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
There is no specific treatment for woolly hair itself, but management focuses on addressing any associated conditions. Regular monitoring and supportive care are important for individuals with syndromes involving woolly hair. | There is no specific treatment for woolly hair itself, but management focuses on addressing any associated conditions. Regular monitoring and supportive care are important for individuals with syndromes involving woolly hair. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Hair follicle]] | * [[Hair follicle]] | ||
* [[Genetic disorder]] | * [[Genetic disorder]] | ||
* [[Cardiomyopathy]] | * [[Cardiomyopathy]] | ||
[[Category:Genetic disorders of hair and scalp]] | [[Category:Genetic disorders of hair and scalp]] | ||
[[Category:Congenital disorders]] | [[Category:Congenital disorders]] | ||
Latest revision as of 20:42, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Woolly hair | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Curly hair, frizzy hair, brittle hair |
| Complications | |
| Onset | Birth or early childhood |
| Duration | Lifelong |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Genetic mutation |
| Risks | |
| Diagnosis | Clinical examination, genetic testing |
| Differential diagnosis | Trichorrhexis nodosa, Monilethrix |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Supportive care |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | |
Woolly hair is a rare condition characterized by tightly coiled hair that resembles wool. It can occur as an isolated finding or as part of a syndrome. Woolly hair is often inherited and can be associated with other abnormalities, particularly affecting the skin and heart.
Characteristics[edit]
Woolly hair is distinguished by its fine, tightly curled texture. The hair shaft is often elliptical in cross-section, which contributes to its unique appearance. Individuals with woolly hair may have hair that is more fragile and prone to breakage.
Genetics[edit]
Woolly hair can be inherited in an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive manner. The genetic basis of woolly hair involves mutations in several genes, including those that encode proteins important for hair shaft formation and structure.
Autosomal Dominant Inheritance[edit]
In autosomal dominant inheritance, a single copy of the mutated gene is sufficient to cause the condition. This means that an affected individual has a 50% chance of passing the trait to their offspring.
Autosomal Recessive Inheritance[edit]
In autosomal recessive inheritance, two copies of the mutated gene are necessary for the condition to manifest. Individuals with only one copy of the mutated gene are carriers and do not typically show symptoms.
Associated Conditions[edit]
Woolly hair can be a feature of several syndromes, including:
- Naxos disease: A condition characterized by woolly hair, palmoplantar keratoderma, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.
- Carvajal syndrome: Similar to Naxos disease, but with left ventricular involvement.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of woolly hair is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the hair. Genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific mutation involved.
Management[edit]
There is no specific treatment for woolly hair itself, but management focuses on addressing any associated conditions. Regular monitoring and supportive care are important for individuals with syndromes involving woolly hair.
