Alopecia in a 19-Month-Old Boy
August 1994
in “
Archives of dermatology
”
Studysummary This article reports a case of a 19-month-old boy with scalp erythematous papules and hair loss, showing no improvement with initial treatment.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
A 19-month-old boy presented with erythematous papules and significant hair loss over the scalp, diagnosed as monilethrix, a rare hair disorder characterized by beaded hair and brittle hair shafts. Light microscopy revealed nodal swellings and internodal constrictions. Treatments with 2% salicylic acid, 1% pyrithione shampoo, and tretinoin cream showed mild and transient improvement. Monilethrix is typically inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern with variable expressivity and can affect various body hairs. The prognosis varies, often worsening in childhood but potentially improving in adulthood. The patient's family opted for gentle hair care due to limited treatment success.
