Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Monilethrix
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Monilethrix is an autosomal dominant hair disease that results in short, fragile, broken hair that appears beaded. It comes from the Latin word for necklace (monile) and the Greek word for hair (thrix).
Presentation
Presentation
The presentation may be of alopecia. Individuals vary in severity of symptoms. Nail deformities may also be present as well as hair follicle keratosis and follicular hyperkeratosis.
Causes
Causes
The genes KRTHB1 (KRT81), KRTHB3 (KRT83), or KRTHB6 (KRT86) that are mutated in this condition code for type II hair cortex keratins.[1]
Physical examination
Physical examination
Gallery
Head
Trunk
References
References
- ↑ Schweizer J (2006). “More than one gene involved in monilethrix: intracellular but also extracellular players”. J. Invest. Dermatol. 126 (6): 1216–9. doi:10.1038/sj.jid.5700266. PMID 16702971.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Jesus Rosario Hernandez, M.D. [2].