Search

A syndrome of hereditary hypotrichosis with an unusual natural history and clinical features was encountered in a Caucasian family of four generations with a total of twenty-four members of whom eleven were affected. The mode of inheritance was autosomal dominant with variable penetrance. The loss of hair involved the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair, manifesting itself in the school years and progressing to almost complete baldness. There were no associated abnormalities and no sex limitation. Clinical, genetic, biochemical, mechanical, histological and immunological aspects were studied. Essential differences between this type of hereditary hypotrichosis and others previously recorded are stressed. Hereditary hypotrichosis is rare but distinct varieties with different clinical features and modes of inheritance have been described. Some involve hair alone or are in association with ectodermal abnormalities while others show features of skeletal, chromosomal or amino acid defects. A completely unfamiliar type of hypotrichosis was encountered in a Caucasian family, originally of British stock but domiciled for many generations in South Africa. A search of the literature revealed no record of an exactly similar pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three further families with pseudo-monilethrix are studied, the first family having been described by the present authors in 1973. Similar clinical and genetic features are found in all 4 families confirming the inheritance as an autosomal dominant with variable penetrance. Pseudo-monilethrix is associated with formes fruste of pili torti and trichorrhexis nodosa in a significant number of members of all 4 families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new term ‘pseudo-monilethrix’ is suggested for an unusual form of ‘beaded’ hair, found in many members of a large Caucasoid family. The abnormality bears a resemblance to classical monilethrix but is not the same condition. Other associated anomalies are formes frustes of pili torti and trichorrhexis nodosa. These disorders are traced through four generations and appear to have been inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. The clinical features and prognosis are discussed and the results of the examination of hairs under the light and scanning electron-microscopes are recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hundred and fifty ‘Ricksha Boys’ of Durban. South Africa, whose bare feet are habitually exposed to gross trauma, were examined. A curious type of trauma-induced, occupational koilonychia, not previously described, was observed in a significant number of the pullers (16%). The clinical appearances are described and the probable aetiological factors are examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a letter to the editor related to Monobenzylether of hydroquinone.

Treatment of onychomycosis is usually unsatisfactory. A small clinical trial using a solution of miconazole (Daktarin; Janssen) in alcohol was undertaken to assess its potential in this difficult condition. Ten unselected patients completed the 32-week trial and the results, irrespective of whether the infecting organism was fungal or monilial, are recorded. A much larger and controlled trial is essential before firm conclusions may be drawn, but the results, particularly in Candida infections, are encouraging.

A syndrome of hereditary hypotrichosis with an unusual natural history and clinical features was encountered in a Caucasian family of four generations with a total of twenty-four members of whom eleven were affected. The mode of inheritance was autosomal dominant with variable penetrance. The loss of hair involved the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair, manifesting itself in the school years and progressing to almost complete baldness. There were no associated abnormalities and no sex limitation. Clinical, genetic, biochemical, mechanical, histological and immunological aspects were studied. Essential differences between this type of hereditary hypotrichosis and others previously recorded are stressed.

The investigation was designed to assess the safety of hydroquinone in cosmetic skin-lightening products, and to determine the optimal concentration for the purpose. The 840 volunteers who took part in the 6-year trial were drawn from various race groups with skins varying from very fair to very dark. They were subjected to open tests, "normal usage" tests, and standard 48-hour closed-patch tests. In all, over 7,000 test areas were examined. The results show that concentrations of hydroquinone of 3% and less produced negligible adverse effects, irrespective of the base or the colour of the user's skin. It is stressed that any confusion of hydroquinone with the hazardous monobenzyl ether of of hydroquinone (monobenzone, MBH) should be avoided.