Hair and Nail Disorders of Childhood

The document from 2008 reviews a range of hair and nail disorders in children, detailing both congenital and acquired conditions. It discusses hair shaft disorders, which can be hereditary or secondary, and are classified based on their fragility. Conditions such as temporal triangular alopecia, Setleis syndrome, aplasia cutis congenita, and nevus sebaceous are covered, along with the autoimmune disease alopecia areata, which has a polygenic predisposition and varies in prognosis. Psychological disorders like trichotillomania are also addressed. The review highlights tinea capitis, a common fungal infection in children, and its treatment with systemic antifungals. Nail disorders are discussed, including congenital and acquired conditions, with some improving spontaneously and others requiring surgical intervention. The document emphasizes the importance of psychological support and the potential for spontaneous remission in some cases, and suggests that ongoing research in genetics and immunology may improve treatments and genetic counseling for these disorders.