mysterious hair infection II

After searching for on the Web for some time I was very interested to come across the description of a 'mysterious hair infection' posted on this forum back in 2004: http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Dermatology/messages/32683.html

From the description, this sounds like the same condition that I am experiencing: The hairs have a firm milky translucent rubbery sheath that starts at the root and extends about 1/8" up the shaft ending just below the surface of the skin. At their worst the sheaths are up to 2.5 to 3.5 times the width of the hair itself. The sheath can be separated from the shaft with the aid of tweezers. In a few cases removal of the hair results in a spot of blood appearing. It is generally not evident that anything is wrong just by looking at the surface of the hair covered skin. I In my case I am not sure if the condition is spreading to adjoining hairs, though I have found  groups of similar hairs, as well as those individually affected.

I do experience occasional spots, and although there will sometimes be an affected hair in the center I'm not sure if this is cause, the effect, or completely unrelated. Since I only discovered this condition recently I'm also not sure of the affect of removing an affected hair, although I am beginning to suspect that the new hair is also affected.

I note from the 2004 post that no diagnosis or treatment was suggested. Perhaps knowledge of this condition has changed since then?

I note that back in 2004


This discussion is related to mysterious hair infection.

[SHAKYJKE]

I too have this issue and have found it both in my beard and on the back of my scalp - has anyone found a related cause or treatment?

[ChristinaRose]

Hi,

I just noticed your post and wanted to reassure that there is no reaon to think that any of you have a problem. What you are seeing is the hair's root sheath. Everyone has these, THEY ARE NORMAL. They occur during the telogen stage of the hair's lifecycle, therefore affecting 10 - 20 % of our hairs at any one time. Have a look at the diagram of "hair follicles" on this page: http://www.wch.sa.gov.au/nrl/sections/about/sample_packaging/collectpack.html#15

Don't develop an obsession with this like I did when I was too young to know any better and end up with trichotillomania. I got married a month ago and sadly had to wear a wig because of this. Not what I hoped for with my wedding dress.

[LoupeF]

Hi Christina

Thanks for the information and link!