trichopathy

Trichopathy is a broad term used in dermatology to describe diseases and disorders of the hair and hair shaft. From Greek roots meaning “hair” and “disease,” it refers to conditions that affect hair production, structure, integrity, or growth. Trichopathies can be congenital or acquired and may involve the scalp or other hair-bearing areas.

Classification commonly includes hair shaft disorders, hair loss disorders (alopecias), and conditions causing reduced hair quantity such as hypotrichosis. Hair shaft disorders are structural defects of the hair fiber, including conditions such as trichorrhexis nodosa, trichorrhexis invaginata (bamboo hair), monilethix, pili torti, and pili annulati, as well as trichothiodystrophy. Hair loss disorders can be non-scarring or scarring and may overlap with broader alopecia categories. Hypotrichosis and related ectodermal dysplasias describe diminished hair density or abnormal hair development. Acquired trichopathies may result from nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disease, medications, or inflammatory scalp conditions.

Clinical presentation varies by cause but commonly includes brittle, easily breakable hair; abnormal hair shaft appearance on examination; or patches of hair loss. Diagnostic workup relies on history and physical examination, dermoscopy (trichoscopy) to reveal shaft defects, and microscopic analysis of hair shafts, with scalp biopsy reserved for distinguishing inflammatory or scarring processes.

Management aims to treat underlying conditions and minimize hair damage. This may involve nutritional correction, thyroid management, withdrawal of triggering medications, and protective grooming practices to reduce breakage. Prognosis is highly dependent on the specific disorder and its progression; some conditions remain stable while others are lifelong or progressive.

See also: trichotillomania, alopecia, hair shaft defects.