Bubble hair deformity
| Bubble hair deformity | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Dermatology |
| Symptoms | Short weak brittle hair, that feels rough[1] |
| Complications | Hair breaks easily[2] |
| Causes | Excess heat on wet hair, chemicals[3] |
| Risk factors | Hair dryers, hair straighteners, curling tongs[2] |
| Diagnostic method | Appearance, microscopy[3] |
| Prevention | Avoiding excessive heat and chemicals[2] |
| Frequency | Females>males[2] |
Bubble hair deformity is damage of the hair shaft, resulting in patches of short weak brittle hair, that feels rough.[1]
It is typically caused by chemicals and heat; temperatures greater than 125 °C on wet hair, such as with the use of hair dryers, hair straighteners and curling tongs.[2]
Definition
Bubble hair deformity is damage of the hair shaft, resulting in patches of short weak brittle hair, that feels rough.[1]
Cause
It is typically caused by chemicals and heat; temperatures greater than 125 °C on wet hair, such as with the use of hair dryers, hair straighteners and curling tongs.[2]
Mechanism
Bubble hair is characterized by rows of bubbles seen microscopically within localized areas of the brittle hair.[3] These air-filled spaces occur in the cortex of the hair shaft that correspond to the breakdown of keratin and local air expansion triggered by hot water passing through the shaft.[2] There may be an inherited predisposition.[4] It can be associated with trichorrhexis nodosa and trichoptilosis.[2]
Diagnosis
Diagnosis can be confirmed by microscopy.[3]
Prevention
Avoiding excessive heat and chemicals can prevent the condition.[2]
Epidemiology
Bubble hair is more common in females.[2]
References
- ^ ISBN 978-93-5270-391-3.
- ^ S2CID 247229565.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-323-54753-6.
- ^ "Defects of the hair shaft". dermnetnz.org.