Sparse Brittle Hair and Bilateral Temporal Alopecia in a Child

A 2-year-old boy presented with sparse, brittle hair and bilateral temporal alopecia, diagnosed as monilethrix, a rare hair shaft disorder. This condition is typically inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern and is caused by mutations in genes encoding hair shaft proteins, leading to hair thinning, fragility, and breakage. The boy's 9-year-old sister had a similar condition that resolved spontaneously. Monilethrix is characterized by brittle hair and patchy alopecia, with symptoms often improving with age. There is no definitive treatment, but supportive measures can help reduce hair breakage.