Monilethrix

MONILETHRIX, or "beading of the hair" (Fig. 1)* is a rare inherited abnormality in the formation of hair. It was first reported by Smith (1879) and named by' Crocker. The cohdition; is cotnnfonly fa-milial, although isolated non-familial cases have been recorded;-The scalp'hAir is' usually affected, biut many patients showing monilethrix of the pubic and axillary hair and of the eyebrows and eyelashes have been seen. Hyperkeratosis of mouths of follicles is a usual accompaniment, but is not invariably found. It is, however, present in our family. Other congenital abnormalities, particularly of teeth and nails, may be associated, but usually affected people are healthy and their physique good (Cockayne, 1933).