Trichorrhexis Nodosa What Is It?

Trichorrhexis nodosa is an irregularity of the hair shaft that occurs very frequently. It is distinguished by the appearance of nodules, which are responsible for alopecia and the breaking off of hair. Experts have essentially broken down this condition into two categories: acquired and congenital.

It primarily impacts the hair on the scalp. Although it can also impact the hair on the eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic region. When viewed under a microscope, the hairs of a person with Trichorrhexis nodosa reveal a split open like a pair of brushes. With the resulting fibers sticking out in all directions.

Trichorrhexis nodosa, more commonly abbreviated as TN, is a condition that causes brittle spots in the hair. Leading to the hair’s breakage. The most prevalent cause of TN is damage to the hair caused by either physical or chemical stress. However, there are genetic variants of the condition as well.

People of African descent and those with curly hair are more likely to be affected by this condition. African hair is more likely to break than other types of hair. Due to the spiral form of the hair shaft and the hair follicle. Because it is naturally thinner, less dense, and develops slower than the hair of various ethnic groups. African hair is at a greater risk of experiencing major damage when subjected to cosmetic procedures.

Cause of Trichorrhexis Nodosa

Even in its original state, African hair is more prone to breaking than other types of hair. The wavier or straight a person’s hair is, the greater its susceptibility to breakage. Additionally, it has a natural propensity to tangle easily. If the tangled hair is combed, it can lead to breakage of the hair strands. Using heat, chemical straightening, permanent hair color or waving. And drying hair treatments are the four primary hair care methods that can cause hair breakage.

Heat

The use of heated hair styling products. Such as blow dryers, hot combs, curlers, and flat irons. Subject the hair to temperatures that are extremely high to alter the shape and style of the hair temporarily. This heat has the potential to make hair more brittle and make it break. Furthermore, the hot oil that is occasionally utilized during this process has the potential to trickle down to the scalp. Where it may cause scarring that ultimately results in an irreversible loss of hair.

Chemical

All permanent waves and chemical relaxers of any kind cause damage to the hair’s cuticle layer, making the hair more brittle. They strip the hair of its outermost protective layer, destroy chemical bonds, and alter the amino acid makeup of the hair, which results in hair that is weaker, more brittle, drier, and less lustrous.

Color can cause Trichorrhexis Nodosa

Permanent hair color alters the chemical makeup of the hair, which ultimately results in the hair becoming more brittle. Constant use can cause damage to the hair, including breakage, split ends, an unpleasant hair sensation, and a dull appearance to the hair.

Excessive Drying is a cause of Trichorrhexis Nodosa

The wavy or curly texture of African hair prevents it from easily absorbing the natural oils produced by the scalp. Over washing removes the protective layer of oil produced by the scalp, leaving hair exposed and prone to breakage. Additionally, hair sprays, gels, and other styling products can shape the hair and lead to breakage, particularly when the hair is brushed, combed, or otherwise handled with the products.

Other causes of Trichorrhexis Nodosa

Breakage in the hair can also be caused by frequent physical damage, such as that caused by brushing, combing, scratching, or severe scalp massage. Additionally, knotting and breakage of hair may become more likely when the hair is pulled tightly in braids, weaves, twists, extensions, or other similarly restrictive styles.

This disorder occurs significantly more frequently in African-American children than African-American women, but neither group is immune to the condition. Hypothyroidism, Netherton syndrome, Menkes’ kinky hair syndrome, and ectodermal dysplasia are all diseases connected with the disorder.

Symptoms of Trichorrhexis Nodosa

After only the slightest manipulation, hairs usually break in the middle of their shafts. You’ll also notice that some parts of your scalp have shorter hair than others. You will also notice a few little white nodes on the hair, corresponding to cracks in the hair. In the same way they cansee breakage at the intersection of processed hair and new hair development near the scalp, particularly at the rear of the head and at the nape of the neck.

You may also be interested in Risk Of Hair Transplant Rejection

Treatment

Reduce the physical stress your hair experiences (e.g., combing, scratching). It is difficult to regrow hair once it has been damaged; thus, prevention is the primary option. Anti-dandruff shampoos can be beneficial in relieving itching of the scalp, but they have the potential to dry out African hair as well.

Consider using ammonium bi-sulfate relaxers because they cause the least damage to the hair; nevertheless, it is important to remember that these results are not permanent. It is best to avoid exposing your hair to heat and chemicals to give it time to recuperate; therefore, you might want to consider wearing it in its natural form.

If you want the effects of a permanent relaxer, you should get it done by a specialist no more often than once every eight weeks. After relaxing your hair, you need to wash it thoroughly with shampoo that has a neutralizing agent in it. If you want to dye your hair permanently after relaxing or wave-styling it, you should wait at least two weeks. Alternatives to chemical straighteners include using temporary or semi-permanent hair colorants, which do significantly less damage to the hair and can be applied on the same day.

The use of heating tools on the hair should be kept to a minimum to the greatest extent possible, with the maximum recommended frequency being once per week. Only use a hot comb, curling iron, or flat iron on hair that is clean and dry. Use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners that contain components that will nourish the hair. Sodium PCA, glycerine, chitosan, panthenol, dimethicone, and silicone are all substances that can bind moisture.

Conclusion

When the treatments mentioned above are unsuccessful, a consultation with a dermatologist may be required to modify the treatment plan and perhaps rule out the presence of hidden fungal infection.