Have you ever heard of bamboo hair? It is a condition that comes with a change in the structure of the hair shaft. This article will cover the top symptoms and treatment options for bamboo hair.
How Do You Recognize This Condition?
Bamboo hair got its name from the knots in bamboo stalks. If you have this condition, your hair strands are segmented and knotted. But what exactly does this mean?
You can only see the knots in the hair under a microscope. However, people who have bamboo hair will experience both hair loss and breakage. Furthermore, they will usually have a loss of eyebrow and eyelash hairs as well.
Causes of Bamboo Hair
This condition usually comes from Netherton syndrome. Netherton syndrome is a genetic condition that manifests at birth. It affects around 1 in 200,000 newborns.
Newborns who have this syndrome have red, flaking skin. In many cases, Netherton syndrome comes with immune system issues. Bamboo hair doesn’t usually manifest until age two.
Treatment Options for Bamboo Hair
Netherton syndrome doesn’t have a cure but there are many ways to ease its symptoms. So what are the best treatment options for bamboo hair?
Since you want to prevent breakage, is extremely important to make sure your hair stays hydrated. Thus, you should avoid drinking alcohol and other diuretics. It’s also a good idea to stay away from most hair care products, as they can dry your hair out further.
You could also get drugs that will keep your hair from getting dehydrated. Furthermore, your doctors might prescribe medication that can help reverse the effects of Netherton syndrome on your immune system. This includes antihistamines and topical steroids.
