Intermittent hair follicle dystrophy. Report of a new disorder

A new disorder of the hair follicle is described that leads to increased fragility of the shaft. Light microscopic studies of hair follicles revealed disturbances of keratinization in the shafts that are very likely responsible for the breakage. The most consistent change seen by transmission electron microscopy was intercellular edema of the outer root sheath, while scanning electron microscopy of the hair revealed disturbances of the surface and broken ends. Specific biochemical abnormalities of the hair proteins were not found. Possible mechanisms for the disease are discussed.