Journal of Cosmetology & Trichology

Monilethrix or beaded results from a genetic abnormality of defective hair shaft formation. The altered genetics leads to improper, inefficient, incorporation of structural proteins, minerals during hair shaft formation resulting in weak, brittle hair. Other hair shaft disorders like pili torti, pili trianguli, trichorrhexis nodosa, trichorrhexis invaginata and pili annulati, rolled hair and circular hair are reported to be associated with vitamin, mineral, amino acid deficiencies. The nutritional etiology can be recognized as a common thread. Combined nutritional deficiencies can lead to occurrence of more than one hair shaft disorder in the same patient. Hair shaft disorders are also diagnostic of certain mineral deficiencies. Temporary benefit in hair shaft disorders has been reported with the use of minoxidil 2%, acitretin, retinoids, N-acetyl cysteine and iron supplementation. The genetic disorder may not be amiable to correction, however nutritional deficiencies or imbalance can be corrected to produce hair of better strength and better quality. We report improvement of hair shaft structure and reduced hair breakage in case of Monilethrix with use of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and suggest that nutritional correction can offer relief to patients with hair shaft disorders with the understanding that it will be a better hair care though not a cure. The program delivers wellness, good health as well as hair growth without use of any oral medication and without the fear of side effects.

Mobile phone usage is nearing 90% of the world population. Harmful effects of Electromagnetic (EMG) radiation have been a concern for regulation. Safe Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) as watt/kg is defined for thermal effects, but EMG has non thermal effects as well. EMG can affect genes, neural tissue, endocrine regulation and sperms. Research workers have pointed out the mechanism of EMG radiation to be acting through DNA breakage and formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). We are reporting a case of hair loss over the temporal region from repeated, prolonged conversations on mobile phone. Biopsy is negative for any other pathology of hair loss. Use of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, can aid in recovery of the damaged cells. Low dose 2% minoxidil application combined with nutritional therapy, limiting the duration of mobile phone usage and having hands free chord to keep the mobile phone instrument away from the ear, was seen to help in regrowth of the hair.