Traumatic alopecia - Suspected Child Abuse
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Synopsis
In traction alopecia, if the stimulus causing the traction is removed early, affected hair will recover. However, chronic long-term friction can cause permanent hair loss. Traction alopecia secondary to braids often results in hair loss on the scalp margin. It is more common in females and African Americans due to hair-styling practices for tight braids or the use of chemical hair straighteners.
Trichotillomania is usually diagnosed in adolescents and pre-teens. It often starts during times of psychosocial stress such as hospitalization or familial discord. It is characterized by irregular patches of alopecia without evidence of scarring. Interestingly, the backgrounds in which trichotillomania develops and child abuse occurs are similar. Factors such as violence within the family, strained parental relationships, and a stressful environment such as illness or unemployment increase the risk of both occurring in children.
Pressure-induced alopecia refers to hair loss induced by localized pressure on the scalp due to prolonged immobilization. This results in a focal area of hair loss occurring several days to weeks after the initial trigger. The alopecia may be nonscarring (if diagnosed early) or scarring (if diagnosed is delayed). Any age group may be affected, including neonates and children.
In cases of localized hair loss in children, especially if a mechanical alopecia such as trichotillomania or traction alopecia is being considered, the possibility of child abuse should also be in the differential. Alopecia from abuse is classically associated with other signs of trauma such as scalp bruising and tenderness.
Codes
ICD10CM:L65.9 – Nonscarring hair loss, unspecified
SNOMEDCT:
67488005 – Traumatic alopecia
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Alopecia areata
- Tinea capitis
- Occipital neonatal alopecia
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Telogen effluvium (diffuse hair loss often following illness or a stressful event 6 weeks to 3 months prior)
- Endocrine disorders of the thyroid and adrenal gland
- Exposure to toxins such as radiation or chemotherapy (see also drug-induced alopecia)
- Collagen vascular diseases, including lupus erythematosus
- Malnutrition, including anorexia nervosa, gluten enteropathy, acquired zinc deficiency or hereditary acrodermatitis enteropathica, and iron deficiency
- Alopecia neoplastica
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Last Reviewed: 02/10/2020
Last Updated: 03/23/2020
Last Updated: 03/23/2020
Traumatic alopecia - Suspected Child Abuse
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