PILI-CANALICULI (UNCOMBABLE HAIR SYNDROME OR SPUN GLASS HAIR SYNDROME) - A SCANNING ELECTRON-MICROSCOPE STUDY OF 10 NEW CASES

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 107  (4) , 243-248
Abstract
Uncombable hair is the term applied to a new hair abnormality, characterized by its arrangement in bundles disposed in different directions which do not separate on combing. It may have a familial trait and starts at the age of 3 mo. It appears in children of both sexes, whose hair becomes dry, tightly curled, shiny, lighter and impossible to comb. There are no accompanying abnormalities in the development. No biological changes were registered. The clinical and ultrastructural aspects of 10 cases of children affected with uncombable hair are presented. At the scanning electron microscope longitudinally disposed canalicular formations on the cuticular surface of 50% of hair taken from each patient was observed. The canal is more excavated in some zones than in others, occasionally has an irregular outline and sometimes is uniformly located nearly along the whole length of the hair. The transversal section shows triangular, kidney-shaped or completely irregular aspects. The term pili canaliculi is used for the defect shown by these patients.