plica polonica

Plica polonica was described as the endemic disease prevalent in the region of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the neighboring countries in the XVI^th - XIX^th centuries, beginning with a long lasting nervous-rheumatic ailment, progressing to formation of matted, felted and filthy hair plait. Plica polonica till the end of the XIX^th century in Vilnius was believed to be multi-organ disease, involving not only skin and its appendages, but also associated with number of chronic diseases.