Uncombable Hair SyndromeSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Uncombable Hair Syndrome
Uncombable hair syndrome is a condition that is characterized by dry, frizzy hair that cannot be combed flat. This condition develops in childhood, often between infancy and age 3, but can appear as late as age 12. Affected children have light-colored hair, described as blond or silvery with a glistening sheen. The hair does not grow downward but out from the scalp in multiple directions. Despite its appearance, the hair is not fragile or brittle, and it grows at a normal or slightly slower rate. Only scalp hair is affected in uncombable hair syndrome.
Uncombable hair syndrome is caused by mutations in the PADI3, TGM3, or TCHH gene. These genes provide instructions for making proteins that help give structure to the hair strand (shaft).
The prevalence of uncombable hair syndrome is unknown; at least 100 cases have been described in the scientific literature. There are likely more people who are undiagnosed because adults who seem unaffected may have had uncombable hair syndrome in childhood.
When uncombable hair syndrome is caused by mutations in the PADI3, TGM3, or TCHH gene, it is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition.
Regina Betz practices practicing medicine in Bonn, Germany. Ms. Betz is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Uncombable Hair Syndrome. She is also highly rated in 18 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Uncombable Hair Syndrome, Autosomal Recessive Hypotrichosis, Alopecia Areata, and Monilethrix.
Erica Tillman is a Dermatologist practicing medicine in Temple, Texas. Dr. Tillman is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Uncombable Hair Syndrome. She is also highly rated in 9 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Uncombable Hair Syndrome, Actinic Keratosis, Basal Cell Skin Cancer, and Warts. Dr. Tillman is board certified in Dermatology- American Board Of Dermatology.
Holger Thiele practices practicing medicine in Koeln, Germany. Mr. Thiele is rated as a Distinguished expert by MediFind in the treatment of Uncombable Hair Syndrome. He is also highly rated in 82 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Heart Attack, Cardiogenic Shock, Tricuspid Regurgitation, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).
Published Date: May 01, 2017
Published By: National Institutes of Health