Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is ANOTHER Syndrome?

Jackie Myers
Jackie Myers

ANOTHER syndrome consists of several conditions. It includes alopecia, nail dystrophy, skin lesions, and cutaneous conditions. The syndrome also causes thyroid dysfunction, ophthalmic problems, hypohidrosis, and respiratory tract infections. Experts refer to this condition as an autosomal recessive form of ectodermal dysplasia.

Both men and women with ANOTHER syndrome may experience alopecia, or hair loss. Hair may fall out in patches or begin to thin and fall out permanently. Alopecia in men results in what is called male pattern hair loss, while in women, the result is known as female diffuse hair loss. Signs of alopecia include broken hairs and round bald patches.

Thyroid dysfunction may occur in patients with ANOTHER syndrome.
Thyroid dysfunction may occur in patients with ANOTHER syndrome.

In addition to hair loss, ANOTHER syndrome also affects the skin and nails. Patients may notice raised skin lesions, psoriasis, or keloids. Doctors can perform skin biopsies on the lesions to determine whether they are malignant. It is also possible for patients to have subepidermal cysts. The nail dystrophy patients experience from this syndrome can change the color and shape of the nails.

People with ANOTHER syndrome may experience change in nail color.
People with ANOTHER syndrome may experience change in nail color.

Hypohidrosis is the inability to produce a normal amount of sweat. Many of the skin disorders associated with ANOTHER syndrome can block or traumatize the sweat glands. This lack of sweat can be life threatening because the body can overheat in the absence of sweating.

People with ANOTHER syndrome experience problems with their eyes as well. Many of the problems are a result of having dry eyes. If tears cannot form to protect the eye, infections can occur. Severe dry eyes can cause inflammation, corneal scars, and difficulty seeing. If there is too much drainage from the tear ducts, doctors can insert plugs into tear ducts to reduce it, allowing tears to form the film that keeps excessive dryness from occurring.

Individuals with ANOTHER syndrome may experience hypohidrosis, or the inability to produce sweat.
Individuals with ANOTHER syndrome may experience hypohidrosis, or the inability to produce sweat.

Thyroid dysfunction also occurs in patients with ANOTHER syndrome — hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Those with hyperthyroidism have excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is the exact opposite. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include insomnia, muscle weakness, and rapid heart rate.

Ectodermal dysplasia is made up of a large group of inherited disorders. Many of the associated problems involve the teeth, skin, hair, nails, and eccrine glands. It is common for patients with ANOTHER syndrome to have mid-facial deformities, such as a cleft palate or lip. To determine the type of ectodermal dysplasia patients have, dentists and physicians work together to evaluate which structures are affected.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Thyroid dysfunction may occur in patients with ANOTHER syndrome.
      By: Nejron Photo
      Thyroid dysfunction may occur in patients with ANOTHER syndrome.
    • People with ANOTHER syndrome may experience change in nail color.
      By: yuriyzhuravov
      People with ANOTHER syndrome may experience change in nail color.
    • Individuals with ANOTHER syndrome may experience hypohidrosis, or the inability to produce sweat.
      By: jedi-master
      Individuals with ANOTHER syndrome may experience hypohidrosis, or the inability to produce sweat.
    • Diffuse alopecia occurs in women with ANOTHER syndrome.
      By: Barabas Attila
      Diffuse alopecia occurs in women with ANOTHER syndrome.
    • ANOTHER syndrome can cause respiratory tract infections.
      By: decade3d
      ANOTHER syndrome can cause respiratory tract infections.