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| Definition: |
This symptom describes abnormally dry hair.
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| Alternative Names: |
Dry hair
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| Considerations: |
Dry hair is a relative symptom. Dry hair may be described as hair with insufficient moisture and oil content to maintain a normal sheen and texture. Dry hair may result from excessive washing, harsh detergents, a dry or hostile environment, inadequate diet, or underlying disease states.
Abnormal hair texture, sheen, and even abnormal hair color may be seen in various states of malnutrition such as kwashiorkor and marasmus. Metabolic diseases such as hypothyroidism and Menke's kinky hair syndrome produce brittle dry hair. |
| Home Care: |
| Shampoo less frequently -- perhaps only once or twice a week, add conditioners, and avoid blow drying and harsh styling products. |
| Call your health care provider if: |
| If your hair does not improve with gentle treatment, you are experiencing hair loss, or other unexplained symptoms appear, call your health care provider. |
| What to expect at your health care provider's office: |
The medical history will be obtained, and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting dry hair in detail may include:
- Time pattern
- Has your hair always been slightly dry?
- When did the unusual hair dryness first start?
- Is it always present, or is it off and on?
- Eating habits
- Hair care habits
- What kind of shampoo is used?
- How often do you wash your hair?
- Do you use a conditioner? What type?
- How do you normally style the hair?
- Do you use a hair dryer? What type? How often?
- Personal hygiene habits
- Other
- What other symptoms are also present?
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
- Examination of the hair under the microscope
- Blood tests
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Review Date: 10/28/2001
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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