Dr. Antonio Alvi Armani

Trichodental syndrome

There are many cases of hypotrichosis (the less than normal growth of hair on the head or body) that occurs due to genetic skin diseases, which are called genodermatoses.  One of these is the condition referred to as ‘trichodental syndrome’.  This syndrome is characterized by hypotrichosis, as already mentioned, and fine, dry and lusterless hair that grows slowly.  It is also accompanied by a condition called hypodontia, where the patient is born with less than the normal number of teeth.  Incidentally, the external halves of the eyebrows are also missing.

The condition falls into the category of telogenic alopecias.  This means that with trichodental syndrome, more than 50 per cent of the scalp’s hairs are in the telogen, or resting, phase of the hair cycle at any given time.  This is the amount of hair that will routinely fall out.  The percentage for the average individual is only 10 per cent.

There are many conditions and means by which any person can have less hair than should be expected.  Many cases of hair loss are due to androgenic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness), but some are the result of more serious and life-altering conditions.  All cases of hair loss that seem abnormal should be discussed with a medical professional.