Frictional alopecia is theloss of hair that is caused by rubbing of the hair, follicles, or skin around the follicle.[1] The most typical example of this is the loss of ankle hair among people who wear socks constantly for years.[2] The hair may not grow back even years after the source of friction has ended.
Frictional alopecia is a non-scarringalopecia that may result from something rubbing against the hairs or from a self-inflicted tic disorder.[3]
Friction alopecia, when self-inflicting, is called trichoteiromania, a psychiatric condition marked by obsessive hair rubbing.[4]
Friction alopecia can be brought on by something rubbing against hairs repeatedly. It has been reported in the distribution of socks and shoes on the lower extremities of men,[5] on the back of the lower extremities from water slides,[6] in gymnasts performing head stands and rollovers on the balance beam,[7] and in a jogger with a tight-banded headphone on her scalp.[8]
When no frictional etiology can be identified, associations with peripheral nerve disease, thyroid dysfunction, andandrogenetic alopecia have been proposed.[9][10]
Histology reveals no abnormal alterations.[11]Alopecia areata is a significant differential diagnosis. It is possible to distinguish between the two entities usingdermoscopy.[12]
^Zhao, Johnny; Cohen, Philip R (August 2016). "Frictional alopecia of the distal legs: case series and review".Dermatology Online Journal.22 (6): 13030.doi:10.5070/D3228032179.PMID27617943.
^Adams, B B (May 2001). "Water-slide alopecia".Cutis.67 (5):399–400.PMID11381856.
