BLACK PIEDRA IN WEST MALAYSIA *

Black piedra, an infection of the hair shaft by Piedra hortai, is present in peninsular Malaysia and is known to the indigenous population as‘rambut berbuah’(fruit‐bearing hair). Thirty‐one patients, the majority being from rural areas, were studied. Though most of the patients were aware of the infection they did not seek medical treatment spontaneously, as the fungus causes minimal damage to the hair. Penetration of the fungus beyond the cuticle of the hair shaft was not seen. The source of the fungus was not identified.