Alopecia areata hairs: a scanning electron microscope study.

Abstract

SUMMARY.— The fractured ends of exclamation mark hairs were found to be quite distinct from those of normal hairs broken by traction when examined with the scanning electron microscope. The cuticular scales of exclamation mark hairs, telogen hairs from around lesions, hairs from unaffected parts of the scalp, and hairs from normal subjects were found to possess smooth edges when first produced. More distally, however, the edges of the scales became jagged, although their configuration remained unaltered, in all cases.