Diffuse Neurofibroma: An Uncommon Cause of Alopecia

Abstract

Alopecia (hair loss) is reported to be associated with infection, genetics, hormonal changes, drugs, or inflammation. The most frequent causes of hair loss in pediatric patients include tinea capitis, alopecia areata, traction alopecia, and trichotillomania. In the adult population, causes to be considered are alopecia areata and hair loss associated with systemic disease and hormonal influence. The clinician must be able to separate the types and causes of hair loss into those that reflect primary dermatologic conditions and those that represent a reaction to systemic disease. Benign cutaneous tumors have also been known to develop alopecia via occupying the place for hair follicles or tumor-induced inflammatory responses. However, the mechanism of alopecia by neurofibroma (NF) has not been well investigated. We present a 32-year-old patient who developed scalp plaque with alopecia within 6 years. He denies any itching or pain in the area, and has not tried any treatments. In this study, the unusual association between NF and alopecia is shown.