Pili multigemini, also known as "compound hairs,"[2] is a malformation characterized by the presence of bifurcated or multiple divided hair matrices and papillae, giving rise to the formation of multiple hair shafts within the individual follicles.[3][4]
The name describes a condition where several separate hair fibers bunch together and emerge from the skin through a single hair canal. Pathology shows that deep in the skin several dermal papilla are closely situated with each producing a fiber, but these separate hair follicle bulbs combine into one hair canal towards the skin surface. Folliculitis can sometimes be associated with this condition.[2]
^Camacho-Martínez, Francisco (May 2012). "Orphanet: Pili gemini". www.orpha.net. Retrieved 30 January 2020.
^ abMcElwee, Kevin J. "pili multigemini". www.keratin.com. Retrieved 2019-10-28. Pili multigemini hair follicles, also called 'compound hairs', are considered rare although there have been no studies to define the actual frequency in the general population, it is believed to be more common in men's beards and children's scalps.
^James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. (10th ed.). Saunders. ISBN978-0-7216-2921-6.
^Rapini, Ronald P.; Bolognia, Jean L.; Jorizzo, Joseph L. (2007). Dermatology: 2-Volume Set. St. Louis: Mosby. ISBN978-1-4160-2999-1.
