Bubble hair deformity

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2025-01-08 15:05
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Bubble hair deformity
SpecialtyDermatology
SymptomsShort weak brittle hair, that feels rough[1]
ComplicationsHair breaks easily[2]
CausesExcess heat on wet hair, chemicals[3]
Risk factorsHair dryers, hair straighteners, curling tongs[2]
Diagnostic methodAppearance, microscopy[3]
PreventionAvoiding excessive heat and chemicals[2]
FrequencyFemales>males[2]

Bubble hair deformity is damage of the hair shaft, resulting in patches of short weak brittle hair, that feels rough.[1]

It is typically caused by chemicals and heat; temperatures greater than 125 °C on wet hair, such as with the use of hair dryers, hair straighteners and curling tongs.[2]

Definition

Bubble hair deformity is damage of the hair shaft, resulting in patches of short weak brittle hair, that feels rough.[1]

Cause

It is typically caused by chemicals and heat; temperatures greater than 125 °C on wet hair, such as with the use of hair dryers, hair straighteners and curling tongs.[2]

Mechanism

Bubble hair is characterized by rows of bubbles seen microscopically within localized areas of the brittle hair.[3] These air-filled spaces occur in the cortex of the hair shaft that correspond to the breakdown of keratin and local air expansion triggered by hot water passing through the shaft.[2] There may be an inherited predisposition.[4] It can be associated with trichorrhexis nodosa and trichoptilosis.[2]

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be confirmed by microscopy.[3]

Prevention

Avoiding excessive heat and chemicals can prevent the condition.[2]

Epidemiology

Bubble hair is more common in females.[2]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Bhat, Yasmeen Jabeen; Sheikh, Gousia (2018). "13. Clinical bedside investigations". In Chandrashekar, B. S. (ed.). IADVL Textbook of Trichology. New Delhi: JP Medical Ltd. ISBN 978-93-5270-391-3.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 Giacaman, A.; Ferrando, J. (1 February 2022). "[Translated article] Keys to the Diagnosis of Hair Shaft Disorders: Part I". Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas. 113 (2): T141 – T149. doi:10.1016/j.ad.2022.01.021. ISSN 0001-7310. PMID 35244576. S2CID 247229565.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 James, William D.; Elston, Dirk; Treat, James R.; Rosenbach, Misha A.; Neuhaus, Isaac (2020). "33. Diseases of the skin appendages". Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology (13th ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier. p. 766. ISBN 978-0-323-54753-6.
  4. "Defects of the hair shaft". DermNet. 2023-10-26. Retrieved 2025-01-08.