Overview
White forelock with malformations is a very rare genetic condition that combines a distinctive white patch of hair at the front of the scalp (called a white forelock) with a range of physical birth differences. The white forelock happens because the cells that make hair pigment (melanocytes) are missing in that area of the scalp. This condition is sometimes grouped with or compared to Waardenburg syndrome and other pigmentation disorders, but it has its own unique combination of features that set it apart. Beyond the white forelock, people with this condition may have structural differences affecting the face, limbs, heart, or other organs. The exact combination of features can vary quite a bit from person to person. Some individuals may also have patches of lighter skin elsewhere on the body. Because this condition is so rare, treatment is focused on managing each individual symptom or malformation rather than treating an underlying cause. Surgical correction may be needed for certain structural differences. A team of specialists is usually involved in care. Early diagnosis helps families plan the right support and monitoring for their child.
Key symptoms:
White patch of hair at the front of the scalp (white forelock)Patches of skin with no pigment (depigmented skin patches)Structural birth differences (malformations) affecting the face, limbs, or organsPossible heart defectsPossible differences in facial featuresPossible limb differencesPossible hearing differences in some cases
Clinical phenotype terms (19)— hover any for plain English
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for White forelock with malformations.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for White forelock with malformations.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to White forelock with malformations.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What specific malformations does my child have, and which ones need treatment right away?,Should we do genetic testing, and which genes should be tested?,What specialists does my child need to see, and how often?,Is there a risk that other family members could have this condition?,What sun protection steps are most important for the depigmented skin areas?,Are there any clinical trials or research studies we could participate in?,What signs or symptoms should prompt us to seek emergency care?
Common questions about White forelock with malformations
What is White forelock with malformations?
White forelock with malformations is a very rare genetic condition that combines a distinctive white patch of hair at the front of the scalp (called a white forelock) with a range of physical birth differences. The white forelock happens because the cells that make hair pigment (melanocytes) are missing in that area of the scalp. This condition is sometimes grouped with or compared to Waardenburg syndrome and other pigmentation disorders, but it has its own unique combination of features that set it apart. Beyond the white forelock, people with this condition may have structural differences a
At what age does White forelock with malformations typically begin?
Typical onset of White forelock with malformations is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.