Diffuse Alopecia in a Child Due to Dietary Zinc Deficiency
July 2007
in “
SKINmed Dermatology for the Clinician
”
TLDR A 4-year-old girl's hair loss stopped after taking zinc supplements and changing her diet.
A 4-year-old girl experienced diffuse hair loss due to dietary zinc deficiency, despite having no significant medical history or unusual symptoms. Her diet predominantly consisted of cow's milk, which likely contributed to the deficiency. Laboratory tests confirmed low serum zinc levels, while other health indicators were normal. After starting a zinc supplement of 50 mg daily and modifying her diet, her hair loss ceased within 3 weeks. A follow-up after 4 months showed no signs of alopecia, and her hair appeared normal.