Frictional alopecia
Dermatological condition
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Frictional alopecia is the loss of hair that is caused by rubbing of the hair, follicles, or skin around the follicle.[1] The most typical example of this is the loss of ankle hair among people who wear socks constantly for years.[2] The hair may not grow back even years after the source of friction has ended.
| Frictional alopecia | |
|---|---|
| |
| Hairlessness of skin typically covered by sock (below), in contrast to uncovered skin (above), consistent with frictional alopecia | |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
| Symptoms | Alopecia |
| Duration | Years |
| Types | Trichoteiromania (self-inflicted) |
| Causes | Repetitive friction against skin |
| Diagnostic method | Dermoscopy |
| Differential diagnosis | Alopecia areata |
| Treatment | Avoidance of friction source |
Signs and symptoms
Frictional alopecia causes hair loss secondary to frequent rubbing of the hair.[3]
Causes
Frictional alopecia is a non-scarring alopecia that may result from something rubbing against the hairs or from a self-inflicted tic disorder.[3]
Friction alopecia, when self-inflicting, is called trichoteiromania, a psychiatric condition marked by obsessive hair rubbing.[4]
Friction alopecia can be brought on by something rubbing against hairs repeatedly. It has been reported in the distribution of socks and shoes on the lower extremities of men,[5] on the back of the lower extremities from water slides,[6] in gymnasts performing head stands and rollovers on the balance beam,[7] and in a jogger with a tight-banded headphone on her scalp.[8]
When no frictional etiology can be identified, associations with peripheral nerve disease, thyroid dysfunction, and androgenetic alopecia have been proposed.[9][10]
Diagnosis
Histology reveals no abnormal alterations.[11] Alopecia areata is a significant differential diagnosis. It is possible to distinguish between the two entities using dermoscopy.[12]
Treatment
Reassurance and avoiding the trigger factor are part of the treatment for frictional alopecia.[12]