Bubble hair deformity

Bubble hair deformity
SpecialtyDermatology
SymptomsShort weak brittle hair, that feels rough[1]
ComplicationsHair breaks easily[2]
CausesExcess heat on wet hair, chemicals[3]
Risk factorsHair dryers, hair straighteners, curling tongs[2]
Diagnostic methodAppearance, microscopy[3]
PreventionAvoiding excessive heat and chemicals[2]
FrequencyFemales>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

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Bubble hair deformity is damage of the hair shaft, resulting in patches of short weak brittle hair, that feels rough.[1]

Cause

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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

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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

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Diagnosis can be confirmed by microscopy.[3]

Prevention

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Avoiding excessive heat and chemicals can prevent the condition.[2]

Epidemiology

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Bubble hair is more common in females.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Bhat, Yasmeen Jabeen; Sheikh, Gousia (2018). "13. Clinical bedside investigations". In Chandrashekar, B. S. (ed.). IADVL Textbook of Trichology. New Delhi: JP Medical Ltd. ISBN 978-93-5270-391-3.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Giacaman, A.; Ferrando, J. (1 February 2022). "[Translated article] Keys to the Diagnosis of Hair Shaft Disorders: Part I". Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas. 113 (2): T141–T149. doi:10.1016/j.ad.2022.01.021. ISSN 0001-7310. PMID 35244576. S2CID 247229565.
  3. ^ a b c d James, William D.; Elston, Dirk; Treat, James R.; Rosenbach, Misha A.; Neuhaus, Isaac (2020). "33. Diseases of the skin appendages". Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology (13th ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier. p. 766. ISBN 978-0-323-54753-6.
  4. ^ "Defects of the hair shaft". dermnetnz.org.