Monilethrix Treated with the Oral Retinoid Ro 10-9359 (Tigason)

In 1983, a study reported the treatment of monilethrix, a rare hair disorder, with the oral retinoid Ro 10-9359 (Tigason) in a 1-year-old boy who had developed partial baldness 3 months after birth. Monilethrix is characterized by beaded hair that breaks easily, leading to bald patches. The boy, who had inherited the condition as a dominant trait, showed improvement after 6 months of treatment with 1 mg/kg/day of Tigason, with most of the scalp covered by abundant hair, although some areas remained partially affected. The treatment also improved follicular hyperkeratosis on the thighs, and no side effects were observed. The mode of action of the drug was not clear, but it was assumed to act by preventing follicular hyperkeratosis, allowing more hair to grow. This case added to the limited reports of synthetic retinoids being used to treat monilethrix, with previous cases showing improvement with both topical and oral administration.