Differential Diagnosis for a 7-year-old with Hair Falling
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Alopecia areata: This is an autoimmune condition that leads to patchy hair loss. It's relatively common in children and can be triggered by stress or other factors. The hair loss is usually sudden and can be limited to one or two patches.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Telogen effluvium: This condition causes excessive hair shedding due to a change in the hair growth cycle. It can be triggered by stress, illness, or changes in diet. The hair loss is typically diffuse and can be quite distressing.
- Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp): This is a fungal infection that can cause hair loss, itching, and redness of the scalp. It's contagious and can be spread through contact with an infected person or animal.
- Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron, zinc, or biotin deficiency): These deficiencies can cause hair loss, among other symptoms. They can be due to a poor diet or underlying medical conditions.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses:
- Thyroid disorders (hypo- or hyperthyroidism): Both underactive and overactive thyroid glands can cause hair loss, among other symptoms. These conditions require prompt medical attention and treatment.
- Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis): These conditions can cause hair loss, as well as other symptoms such as joint pain and skin rashes. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term damage.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Congenital conditions (e.g., congenital alopecia, ectodermal dysplasias): These are rare genetic conditions that can cause hair loss, as well as other abnormalities.
- Traumatic alopecia: This can be caused by excessive hair pulling or traction, leading to hair loss.
- Trichotillomania: This is a psychological condition where a person has an irresistible urge to pull out their own hair, leading to hair loss.