What are the causes of monilethrix-like (pohl pinkus constrictions) hair and tapered hair, and is AGA one of them? (Photo)

Question

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Doctors do not have have the ability to diagnose a condition based on a photo of a hair.  If you believe you have a medical condition related to your hair, you need to see a doctor for a proper examination.Androgenic Alopecia (AGA) is generally a diagnosis based on seeing a "pattern" of hair loss on the scalp.  That is why it is sometimes referred to Male "Pattern" Balding (MPB).

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

A number of entities can cause this. I'd advise seeing a dermatologist for evaluation of many hairs and your history. The hairs will need to be examined under the microscope. Sometimes, it's just a random finding. If it's seen in 1 or 2 random hairs, it carries no meaning. If it's seen in many hairs it has significance especially if associated with increased 'fragility' of the hairsThese hairs can be seen in nutritional and dietary issues, trauma to the hair, chemotherapy, alopecia areata, genetic diseases as well as many other conditions as well. There is not a single diagnosis.

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear S1S2S3,

Thank you very much for your clinical post and
photograph.  Although from the picture of
a single hair one cannot make a clinical diagnosis of Monilethrix.  The hair itself that you presented does not
appear beaded.  Monilethrix is term used
to describe a beaded appearance to the hair much like beaded pearls on a
necklace.  There are many clinical
conditions that can cause Monilethrix such as surgical trauma, chemotherapy,
autoimmume diseases such as Alopecia Areata and a myriad of genetic conditions
and diseases.

Your best option now is to visit a dermatologist with
experience in hair conditions and have many hairs examined on your scalp.  If there is an underlying condition they do
have Monilethrix or constriction than the cause should be treated.

I hope this information has been of some assistance and best
of luck.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Monilethrix is a condition that affects hair growth. Its most characteristic feature is that individual strands of hair have a beaded appearance like the beads of a necklace. The name monilethrix comes from the Latin word for necklace (monile) and the Greek word for hair (thrix). From the picture of the one hair, this does not look like Monilethrix hair. You needs to see a doctor and get examined

What are the causes of monilethrix-like (pohl pinkus constrictions) hair and tapered hair, and is AGA one of them? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Do I have Monilethrix hair?

Answer: Do I have Monilethrix hair?

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What are the causes of monilethrix-like (pohl pinkus constrictions) hair and tapered hair, and is AGA one of them? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Do I have Monilethrix hair?

Answer: Do I have Monilethrix hair?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.