Pronunciation: [ˌatɹɪt͡ʃˈə͡ʊsɪs] (IPA) 
The word "atrichosis" is spelled as [eɪ.trɪˈkoʊ.sɪs]. The 'a' in the beginning is pronounced as the 'ay' sound, while 'tr' is pronounced as 'tr'. The 'i' and 'o' are pronounced as short vowels, and the 's' is pronounced with an 's' sound at the end. Atrichosis is a medical term which refers to a congenital absence or deficiency of hair. This condition can affect different parts of the body, including the scalp and eyebrows.
Atrichosis is a medical term used to describe a rare genetic disorder characterized by the absence or lack of hair growth on the body. It is a condition in which individuals are born with a complete absence of hair follicles, resulting in a complete absence of hair on the scalp, face, and body. Atrichosis can manifest as either a localized or generalized form, where localized atrichosis affects only specific parts of the body, while generalized atrichosis affects the entire body.
Individuals with atrichosis present from birth with visibly smooth, bald skin, lacking any hair strands. This condition is often associated with other health conditions such as abnormalities of the nails, teeth, and sweat glands. Atrichosis can also be accompanied by various developmental delays and intellectual disabilities.
The underlying cause of atrichosis is genetic, and it is usually inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. Mutations in specific genes can disrupt the normal development or function of hair follicles, resulting in atrichosis. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, medical history assessment, and genetic testing to confirm the presence of specific mutations.
Treatment options for atrichosis are limited and primarily focused on managing associated symptoms, providing emotional support, and improving psychosocial well-being. For localized atrichosis, cosmetic solutions such as wigs or hair transplantation may be considered. Genetic counseling is recommended for affected individuals and their families to understand the risks of recurrence in future pregnancies. Overall, atrichosis is a lifelong condition that requires comprehensive care and support to enhance the affected individuals' quality of life.
Atrichia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "atrichosis" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "a-" meaning "without" or "lacking", and "trichos" meaning "hair". The suffix "-osis" is used to indicate a medical condition or state. Therefore, the term "atrichosis" refers to a condition or state characterized by the absence or lack of hair.
