Case for diagnosis. Alopecia areata and congenital triangular alopecia

An Bras Dermatol. 2014 Mar-Apr;89(2):353-5. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20142740.

Abstract

A 6 year-old patient began to experience localized hairloss in the right temporal region three years ago. During the first appointment, diagnoses of alopecia areata and congenital triangular alopecia were made. After one year, there was no change. Upon dermatological examination, non-scarring alopecia was noted in the right temporal region, revealing extremely fine and fair hair follicles. A dermoscopy revealed only thin vellus-type hairs. Congenital triangular alopecia is a condition commonly confused with alopecia areata and is thus underdiagnosed. However, well-established clinical parameters and dermoscopic criteria can be used to distinguish skin diseases that affect hair and define the diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Alopecia / diagnosis*
  • Alopecia Areata / diagnosis*
  • Child
  • Dermoscopy / methods*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Genetic Diseases, X-Linked / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Male

Supplementary concepts

  • Congenital alopecia X-linked