Moniletrix of the scalp from almost normal aspect to total alopecia: variable intrafamilial expressiveness

Abstract

Monilethrix is a rare defect of the hair shaft, with most cases showing an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance and variable clinical expression. It is characterized by hypotrichosis secondary to hair fragility. The diagnosis is made through trichoscopy, detecting typical findings such as periodic narrowing at regular intervals, giving the hair the appearance of beads in a rosary. This article reports the case of six members of a family diagnosed with monilethrix with alopecia of varying degrees.

Keywords: Alopecia; Hair diseases; Hypotrichosis; Monilethrix.