Korean J Dermatol.  1996 Jun;34(3):430-433.

Segmental Heterochromia in Scalp Hair Associated with iron - deficiency Anemia

• Jun IS
• Lee MH

Abstract

The peculiar heterochromasia of scalp hair characterizes by the irregular segmentation of black hair into alternating dark brown (dark) and white-to-silver (light) bands. A 17-year-old girl visited to our department because of abnormal discoloration of scalp hair and diffuse hair loss of 2 years' duration. But, the growth and color of her eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic and axillary hair were normal. No abnormalities were noted in her nails and teeth. The size of hair shaft was 70um in diameter. The length of dark and light bands ranged from 5 to 35 mm and 7 to 20 mm, respectively. Hematologic tests showed iron-deficiency anemia, The results of other tests were all normal. Patient took oral iron with ferruglycine sulfate for 5 months. The light bands of hairs disappeared and the diameter of hair was thickened after treatment. We suggest that hair changes in this case were caused by iron-deficiency anemia.

Keyword

Segmental heterocheomia; Iron-deficiency anemia

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Anemia*
Anemia, Iron-Deficiency
Eyebrows
Eyelashes
Female
Hair*
Hematologic Tests
Humans
Iron*
Scalp*
Tooth
Iron