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Published on: March 9, 2015
Diffuse alopecia in a child due to dietary zinc deficiency
Eyad Alhaj1, Nehad Alhaj, Nezam E Alhaj
1Cold Spring Medical Center, Cold Spring, KY 41076, USA. eyadalhaj@yahoo.com
Skinmed
|July 10, 2007
Summary
A pediatric case of hair loss was linked to low serum zinc levels. Supplementation and dietary changes resolved the hair loss, highlighting zinc
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Nutritional Science
- Clinical Case Study
Background:
- Hair loss in children can have various causes, including nutritional deficiencies.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing pediatric dermatological conditions.
Observation:
- A 4-year-old girl presented with progressive, diffuse hair loss, dryness, and brittleness.
- Her diet predominantly featured cow's milk, with no other significant symptoms reported.
- Physical examination revealed patchy alopecia and dry hair, with a normal hair pull test.
Findings:
- Laboratory tests confirmed persistently low serum zinc levels, despite normal levels of other essential nutrients and blood parameters.
- The patient was diagnosed with zinc deficiency-induced alopecia.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering zinc deficiency in pediatric hair loss evaluations.
- Prompt zinc supplementation and dietary modification can effectively reverse hair loss caused by zinc deficiency.
- Highlights the link between nutrition and hair health in children.
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