Hair and Nail Disorders

From infancy through adolescence, nail and hair issues are common, with some requiring prompt referral and others no treatment at all. In this guide, pediatric dermatologist Renee Howard, MD, walks through her evaluation process, providing images to differentiate similar-looking conditions and tips to ensure a thorough exam and serviceable history. She describes her first-choice topicals, safety concerns around oral meds, and how she handles emotionally loaded conditions, such as hair loss.

Learning Objectives:

  •  Distinguish fungal nail infection from psoriasis in the nail.
  •  Manage pigmented streaks in the nail (melanonychia striata).
  •  Evaluate pediatric patients with hair loss from infancy to adolescence.