Plica neuropathica (polonica) in schizophrenia - a case report and review of literature.

Plica neuropathica also known as plica polonica is an uncommon condition in which the hairs of the scalp in a localised area is compacted into irregularly twisted, irreversibly entangled plaits. A review of literature shows several predisposing factors figuring in plica neuropathica like kinky hair, use of shampoos, febrile illness and psychological disturbances. The authors describe a case of plica neuropathica in a paranoid schizophrenic patient who developed irreversible tangling of scalp hair.