Differential Diagnosis for Complete Alopecia in a Child
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Alopecia Areata: This is an autoimmune condition that can cause patchy or complete hair loss. It's relatively common in children and can be triggered by stress or other autoimmune conditions. The onset can be sudden, and it may affect any part of the body, including the scalp, leading to complete alopecia.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Tinea Capitis (Ringworm of the Scalp): A fungal infection that can cause hair loss, redness, and itching of the scalp. It's contagious and common in children, often requiring antifungal treatment.
- Trichotillomania: A psychological condition where a child compulsively pulls out their own hair, leading to noticeable hair loss. It can be a sign of underlying stress or anxiety.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, or biotin can lead to hair loss. These deficiencies can be due to a poor diet or underlying conditions affecting nutrient absorption.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Thyroid Disorders: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss among other symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term effects.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including hair loss. It's less common in children but can be severe if not treated properly.
- Cancer and its Treatment: Certain types of cancer, such as leukemia, and its treatments (chemotherapy, radiation) can lead to complete alopecia. Although rare, it's critical to consider due to the severity of the underlying condition.
Rare Diagnoses
- Congenital Alopecia: Conditions present at birth that affect hair growth, such as congenital alopecia areata or certain genetic syndromes.
- Netherton Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder characterized by hair loss, skin abnormalities, and immune system problems.
- Atrichia with Papular Lesions: A rare condition where children are born without hair and develop skin lesions, often due to genetic mutations affecting hair follicle development.