A child with nonscarring alopecia

J. Christian Cather, MD, and Jennifer Clay Cather, MD

A 4-year-old girl presented in her usual state of good health except for two areas of alopecia (hair loss) involving the left parietal scalp. The child was taking no medications and had no significant past medical history. Her hairstyling did not include repetitive, tight braids. On physical examination, her scalp had no scaling or pustules. She had no palpable occipital lymphadenopathy. The result of a Wood's light examination was negative. What are the diagnosis and prognosis, and what are the treatment options?