Tick‐Bite Alopecia of the Scalp in a Child: Case Report and Differential Diagnosis With Alopecia Areata and <scp>SENLAT</scp>

Learning Points Bite‐centred anatomy (tiny eschar or atrophic papule with a narrow, active rim) is the most practical discriminator of tick‐bite alopecia in children. Trichoscopic signs overlap with alopecia areata; they must be interpreted anatomically—rim‐restricted AA‐like signs around a bite centre favour tick‐bite alopecia. Ipsilateral tender cervical lymphadenopathy with a scalp eschar suggests SENLAT and warrants empiric doxycycline; its absence supports conservative dermatologic management. A short course of high‐potency topical corticosteroid is usually sufficient; biopsy is reserved for atypical, non‐resolving or scarring‐prone plaques. Continued follow‐up is recommended to detect rare progression to an AA‐like effluvium and to escalate care accordingly.