Living with Odonto-onycho dysplasia-alopecia syndrome
A rare genetic condition with very little hair, tooth differences, and fragile nails.
Understanding Odonto-onycho dysplasia-alopecia syndrome
Almost all scalp hair is missing, and what is there is sparse, thin, and brittle. Eyebrows and eyelashes are sparse, and underarm and pubic hair is absent. Nails are fragile or thick, and teeth may be missing, small, widely spaced, or have thin enamel. Café-au-lait spots may occur. GARD notes no further descriptions in the literature since 1985. GARD lists onset as newborn.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Hair loss (alopecia) and sparse hair
- Sparse eyebrows and body hair
- Fragile, thick, or underdeveloped nails
- Fewer or smaller teeth
- Teeth in unusual positions
- Thickened skin on the palms and soles
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists, gum, teeth and mouth specialists and skin, hair, and nail specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Genetic specialists (geneticists); Gum, teeth and mouth specialists (odontologists); Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says changes in genes cause this condition. It doesn't list a specific gene or how it is inherited.
Also known as: odonto onycho dysplasia with alopecia syndrome; odonto-onycho dysplasia alopecia syndrome
Patient organizations
- National Foundation for Ectodermal DysplasiasEctodermal dysplasias · United States
- Children's Skin Disease FoundationSkin diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Odonto-onycho dysplasia-alopecia syndrome.
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