A 7-Year-Old Boy Is Brought to the Office Due to Hair

question 169

Multiple Choice

A 7-year-old boy is brought to the office due to hair loss.  For the last few weeks, he has had worsening hair loss in patches on the scalp.  There is no associated pain or itching.  Medical history is unremarkable, and the patient's height and weight have consistently tracked at around the 30th percentile for age.  He has achieved developmental milestones within the normal range and has had no significant academic issues at school.  Skin examination findings are as shown in the exhibit.  Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's hair loss?

• A)Alopecia areata
• B)Discoid lupus erythematosus
• C)Pediculosis capitis
• D)Telogen effluvium
• E)Tinea capitis
• F)Trichotillomania

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Definitions:

Basal Metabolic Rate

The number of calories required to keep your body functioning at rest, representing the minimum amount of energy needed for vital organs to operate.

Serving Size

The standardized amount of food typically consumed in one sitting, used for nutritional labeling and dietary guidelines.

Set Points

The theory that each individual has a genetically determined range of weight and temperature that their body will try to maintain to stay at optimal health.

Natural Behavior Tendencies

Innate or biologically driven behaviors that occur naturally in an organism without the need for learning.