OBSOLETE: Pili canulati

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ORPHA:719
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Overview

Pili canaliculi (also sometimes called 'pili canulati' or 'uncombable hair syndrome') is a rare condition that affects the structure of hair. The name 'pili canaliculi' refers to a specific abnormality where each hair shaft has a canal-like groove running along it, giving the hair an unusual shape when viewed under a microscope. This is closely related to — and often considered the same as — uncombable hair syndrome, where the hair grows in a disorganized way and cannot be flattened or combed smooth. The hair is typically silvery-blonde, straw-colored, or light in color, and it stands out from the scalp in many directions at once. This condition mainly affects the scalp hair and is usually noticed in early childhood, often between infancy and age three. The hair is not painful, and the condition does not affect overall health or development. In many children, the hair appearance improves naturally as they get older, often by puberty. There is no specific medical treatment needed, though gentle hair care is recommended. It is worth noting that Orphanet has marked this entry as 'obsolete,' meaning it has been reclassified or merged with related conditions in current medical databases.

Key symptoms:

Hair that cannot be combed flat or smoothHair that stands away from the scalp in all directionsSilvery, blonde, or straw-colored hairDry or frizzy-looking hair textureHair shafts with a groove or canal shape when seen under a microscopeHair that breaks or tangles easilySlow hair growth in some cases

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive

Passed on when both parents carry the same gene change; often skips generations

Age of Onset

Infantile

Begins in infancy, roughly 1 month to 2 years old

Orphanet ↗NORD ↗

Treatments

No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Pili canulati.

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No actively recruiting trials found for OBSOLETE: Pili canulati at this time.

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No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Pili canulati.

View NORD Rare Disease Centers ↗Undiagnosed Disease Network ↗

Treatment Centers

8 centers
🏥 NORD

Baylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center

Baylor College of Medicine

📍 Houston, TX

🏥 NORD

Stanford Medicine Rare Disease Center

Stanford Medicine

📍 Stanford, CA

🔬 UDN

NIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program

National Institutes of Health

📍 Bethesda, MD

🔬 UDN

UCLA UDN Clinical Site

UCLA Health

📍 Los Angeles, CA

🔬 UDN

Baylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site

Baylor College of Medicine

📍 Houston, TX

🔬 UDN

Harvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site

Massachusetts General Hospital

📍 Boston, MA

🏥 NORD

Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine

Mayo Clinic

📍 Rochester, MN

👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine

🏥 NORD

UCLA Rare Disease Day Program

UCLA Health

📍 Los Angeles, CA

Travel Grants

No travel grants are currently matched to OBSOLETE: Pili canulati.

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Community

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Caregiver Resources

NORD Caregiver Resources

Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.

Mental Health Support

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Family & Caregiver Grants

Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.

Social Security Disability

Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.

Questions for your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment

  • Q1.Is my child's hair likely to improve as they get older, and at what age might we see a change?,Should we do genetic testing, and would it change how we manage the condition?,Are there any hair care products or routines you specifically recommend?,Could this condition be a sign of any other underlying health issue?,Are other family members at risk, and should they be evaluated?,Are there any support groups or resources for families dealing with this condition?

Common questions about OBSOLETE: Pili canulati

What is OBSOLETE: Pili canulati?

Pili canaliculi (also sometimes called 'pili canulati' or 'uncombable hair syndrome') is a rare condition that affects the structure of hair. The name 'pili canaliculi' refers to a specific abnormality where each hair shaft has a canal-like groove running along it, giving the hair an unusual shape when viewed under a microscope. This is closely related to — and often considered the same as — uncombable hair syndrome, where the hair grows in a disorganized way and cannot be flattened or combed smooth. The hair is typically silvery-blonde, straw-colored, or light in color, and it stands out from

How is OBSOLETE: Pili canulati inherited?

OBSOLETE: Pili canulati follows a autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.

At what age does OBSOLETE: Pili canulati typically begin?

Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Pili canulati is infantile. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.