Which hair shaft abnormality is characterized by bead-like nodes along the strand?

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Multiple Choice

Which hair shaft abnormality is characterized by bead-like nodes along the strand?

Explanation:
Beaded hair along the strand is the telltale sign of monilethrix. In this hereditary condition, the hair shaft has periodic narrowing, creating regular, bead-like nodes separated by wider segments. The result is brittle hair that tends to break at the narrowest points, giving a string-of-pearls appearance. The name itself—monilethrix—reflects this necklace-like pattern. This distinguishes it from conditions like alopecia, which is hair loss rather than a distinctive shaft pattern, and hypertrichosis, which is excessive hair growth.

Beaded hair along the strand is the telltale sign of monilethrix. In this hereditary condition, the hair shaft has periodic narrowing, creating regular, bead-like nodes separated by wider segments. The result is brittle hair that tends to break at the narrowest points, giving a string-of-pearls appearance. The name itself—monilethrix—reflects this necklace-like pattern. This distinguishes it from conditions like alopecia, which is hair loss rather than a distinctive shaft pattern, and hypertrichosis, which is excessive hair growth.

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