Differential Diagnosis for Hair Loss in a 10-year-old
- The following differential diagnosis is organized into categories to guide the assessment of hair loss in a 10-year-old.
Single most likely diagnosis
- Non-scarring alopecia (e.g., alopecia areata): This condition is characterized by patchy hair loss, often sudden in onset, and can be triggered by stress or autoimmune factors. It's a common cause of hair loss in children and is usually self-limiting.
Other Likely diagnoses
- Trauma or traction alopecia: This condition occurs due to physical damage to the hair follicles, often from tight hairstyles, excessive brushing, or direct trauma to the scalp.
- Infectious causes (e.g., scalp ringworm): Fungal infections like ringworm can cause hair loss, especially if the child has been in contact with an infected person or animal.
- Demoralization or psychological factors: Children may experience hair loss due to psychological stress, trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling), or other emotional issues.
Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Thyroid disorders: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss, and it's crucial to rule out these conditions due to their potential impact on overall health.
- Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus): Although rare in children, autoimmune disorders can cause hair loss and have significant health implications if left untreated.
- Cancer and the effects of chemotherapy or radiation: Although extremely rare, hair loss can be a symptom of certain cancers or the result of cancer treatment.
Rare diagnoses
- Congenital conditions (e.g., congenital alopecia): Some children are born with conditions that affect hair growth, leading to hair loss.
- Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron, zinc, or biotin deficiency): While less common, nutritional deficiencies can contribute to hair loss in children.
- Genetic disorders (e.g., androgenetic alopecia): Certain genetic conditions can cause hair loss, although these are relatively rare in children.