MONILETHRIX Meaning and
Definition
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Monilethrix is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a specific type of hair abnormality. It is considered a hair shaft disorder that affects the structure and growth of the hair, resulting in fragile, easily breakable strands. The term "monilethrix" is derived from the Latin words "monile," meaning necklace, and "thrix," referring to hair.
Individuals with monilethrix usually exhibit hair shafts that appear beaded or have a chain-link appearance, resembling a necklace under microscopic examination. This condition predominantly affects the scalp hair but can also involve other areas of the body, including eyebrows, eyelashes, and other body hair. The hair strands appear thin, brittle, and fragile, often leading to recurrent breakage and resulting in short, coarse, and sparse hair growth.
Monilethrix is typically an inherited condition caused by mutations in specific genes associated with hair growth and development. The condition follows an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, meaning that an affected individual has a 50% chance of transmitting the condition to each of their children.
While there is no cure for monilethrix, management typically involves symptomatic treatment and hair care strategies that aim to minimize hair breakage. Affected individuals may be advised to use gentle hair care products, avoid harsh chemicals and heat styling tools, and prevent excessive pulling or tension on the hair. Regular trims and protective hairstyles are also recommended to minimize further damage to the fragile hair strands.
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Beaded or moniliform hair; a condition in which the hairs show a series of constrictions, giving the appearance of a string of fusiform beads.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MONILETHRIX
- nonilethrix
- konilethrix
- jonilethrix
- minilethrix
- mknilethrix
- mlnilethrix
- mpnilethrix
- m0nilethrix
- m9nilethrix
- mobilethrix
- momilethrix
- mojilethrix
- mohilethrix
- monulethrix
- monjlethrix
- monklethrix
- monolethrix
- mon9lethrix
- mon8lethrix
- monikethrix
Etymology of MONILETHRIX
The word "monilethrix" is derived from Greek roots.
The term "monile" comes from the Greek word "monilē", which means "necklace". It refers to the appearance of the affected hair, which appears beaded or like a necklace, due to the presence of nodules or constrictions along the hair shaft.
The word "thrix" is the Greek word for "hair".
Therefore, "monilethrix" combines these two Greek words to describe a condition in which the hair shaft exhibits a necklace-like appearance.
Similar spelling word for MONILETHRIX
