HairFactz Definitions
Some words have more than one meaning. Only those meanings relating to this site will be used.
All Definitions
Papilla
Connective tissue from which hair is generated from the follicle.
Papules
An inflammatory comedo (comedo: an acne lesion) that resembles a small, red bump on the skin.
Pathogenesis
The origin and development of any disease condition.
Peripheral Region
The portion of the hair toward the outermost areas of the hair, distant from the medullary or central region, including the cuticle and the outer areas of the cortex.
Phaeomelanin
A reddish brown to yellow pigment occurring in human and animal hair.
Pigment
Pigment is the dyelike material in cells that provides color to skin, eyes, and hair.
Pigment Granules
Melanin granules whose size, shape, density, and distribution vary.
Pigmentation
Coloration or discoloration resulting from pigment.
Pili Annulati
Pili annulati is a hair disorder that results in ringed or banded hair, alternating bright and dark bands in the hair shaft. The dark bands are a manifestation of the abnormal air spaces in the cortex.
Pili Bifurcati
Pili bifurcati is a genetic hair disorder characterized by two hairs joined at the shaft along their entire length.
Pili Torti
Pili torti is a genetic hair disorder characterized by the hair shaft being flattened and twisted 180 degrees numerous times along its axis. It is usually found at irregular intervals along the shaft.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a mild hormonal imbalance that can cause irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, weight gain, and acne. This is a common condition that begins during the teenage years. More about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Proximal End
The portion of the hair towards the root.
Postmortem Banding
(Postmortem means occurring after death). Postmortem banding is the appearance of an opaque microscopic band near the root area of hairs from a decomposing (rotting or decaying) body. When hairs originate from a body in a state of decomposition, a dark band may appear near the root of the hair. This characteristic has been labeled a postmortem root band.
Photo is a postmortem root band.
Pruritic
Itchy. Pruritic is an adjective to Pruritus.
Pustules
Acne pustules are small, white, pus-filled, blister-like lesions on the surface of the skin and are red at the base with surrounding inflammation.
Putrid Root
Putrid root is a tapered or brush-like appearance of the proximal end (the portion of the hair towards the root) caused by decomposition (the process of decay).