Trichonodosis

Trichonodosis (Galewsky), a disease of the hair consisting in the formation on the shaft of small knotted formations representing a hair loop; the hair is tied into knots most often during unskillful combing and when they are tangled with the fingers. The disease most often affects the hair of the head, beard, and pubic region; it affects the face with dry curly hair. At the places of formation of loops the hair breaks off. Under the microscope one finds a change in the structure of the shaft, a defect of the cuticle, splitting and fibrillation of the cortical layer, etc. The occurrence of Trichonodosis is promoted by mechanical irritations: abuse in combing the hair with hard and especially sharp metal brushes, excessive degreasing of already dry hair (frequent washing), burns with hair curling tongs, drying with hot air, etc. Treatment consists in eliminating all factors irritating the hair and in lubrication with fats (Castor oil, Almond oil, Linseed oil, or others).