Bubble hair.

An unusual hair dystrophy was studied by means of light and electron microscopy. Hair fibers demonstrated a boomerang deformity containing small and large "bubbles". Electron microscopy revealed a loss of cortical cells and medulla at these sites. Cross-section images showed either a single large cavity or a reticulated, "swiss cheese-like" loss of cells. These two cases represent the second and third reported cases of bubble hair deformity. We present the second light and electron microscopic study of this disorder, including new electron microscopic findings. The cause of bubble hair deformity remains obscure. The involved tufts of wiry hair resolved with gentle hair care. This suggests that trauma to the hair shaft may play a role. It is likely that additional cases of bubble hair remain unrecognized. Investigation of other patients with localized tufts of wiry hair is likely to reveal additional cases.