Plica neuropathica (polonica) in schizophrenia

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Trichology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Plica neuropathica, also known as plica polonica, is a scalp hair condition characterized by compacted, entangled hair.
• It is considered common but infrequently reported in medical literature.
• Psychological disturbances are recognized as potential risk factors contributing to its development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of plica neuropathica in an adult female patient.
• To explore the association between plica neuropathica and a pre-existing psychiatric condition.
• To contribute to the limited existing literature on this rare scalp disorder.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing clinical presentation and patient history.
• Review of relevant literature on plica neuropathica and its potential etiologies.
• Assessment of the patient's psychiatric diagnosis and its potential role in hair condition.

Main Results:

• The patient, an adult female with schizophrenia, presented with localized, irreversibly entangled scalp hair.
• The clinical findings were consistent with the diagnostic criteria for plica neuropathica.
• The case underscores the potential impact of psychological factors on hair integrity.

Conclusions:

• Plica neuropathica can occur in individuals with significant psychological disturbances, such as schizophrenia.
• This case emphasizes the importance of considering psychiatric history in the evaluation of scalp hair abnormalities.
• Further research may elucidate the precise mechanisms linking psychological distress and plica neuropathica formation.