A FEMALE INFANT born at term, with no prenatal complications, was noted to have a patch of white hair on the left frontal scalp (Figure). Results of the remainder of the physical examination were unremarkable. The family history was negative for similar findings or depigmented skin lesions.
Denouement and Discussion
White Forelock of Hair in a NewbornA triangular-shaped patch of white hair is noted on the left frontal scalp.
DISCUSSION
The presence of a white forelock should alert the physician to the possible association of this cutaneous finding with other cutaneous or systemic findings. A white forelock may be a random, sporadic event, or, less commonly, may denote an inheritable condition. The best known inheritable conditions associated with a white forelock are Waardenburg's syndrome and piebaldism.1,2
Waardenburg's Syndrome
This is a rare autosomal dominant condition with variable expression. The predominant features include the following (percentages of affected patients