Differential Diagnosis for a Teenager Girl with Hair Turning White
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Vitiligo: This condition is characterized by the loss of pigment-producing cells in the skin and hair, leading to white patches and hair. It is relatively common and can be triggered by autoimmune responses, stress, or genetic predisposition.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Alopecia areata: An autoimmune condition that can cause hair loss and, in some cases, the growth of white hair due to the stress and inflammation it causes on the hair follicles.
- Thyroid disorders: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to changes in hair texture and color, including the appearance of white hair, due to the metabolic effects of thyroid hormones on hair growth and pigmentation.
- Vitamin deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins such as B12 or vitamin D can affect the health and pigmentation of hair, potentially leading to premature graying or whitening.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Neurofibromatosis type 2: Although rare, this genetic disorder can cause premature aging, including graying or whitening of the hair, along with other more serious neurological symptoms.
- Tuberous sclerosis complex: Another rare genetic disorder that can lead to a variety of skin and hair abnormalities, including premature graying, as part of its broader spectrum of symptoms.
- Pituitary tumors: Tumors affecting the pituitary gland can disrupt hormone production, potentially leading to premature aging signs, including white hair, due to the gland's central role in regulating growth and development.
- Rare diagnoses
- Waardenburg syndrome: A genetic disorder that affects the development of the eyes, hair, and hearing, and can cause premature graying or whitening of the hair.
- Marie Unna hereditary hypotrichosis: A rare genetic condition characterized by hair loss and premature graying.
- Griscelli syndrome: A rare disorder that affects melanin production, leading to albinism and, in some cases, the appearance of white hair due to impaired melanocyte function.