Alopecia Areata in Children

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes round, bald patches on the head and possibly other parts of the body as well. Alopecia areata is the most common type of alopecia (or hair loss). The disease is unpredictable and has no cure.

Frequency

• According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 2% of the world's population suffers from alopecia areata. Most of these individuals begin experiencing symptoms during childhood.

Causes

• Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that attacks the hair roots, preventing hair growth. The hair follicles are alive and well, but do not produce hair as long as the body continues to attack the roots.

Symptoms

• Children affected by alopecia areata will have random bald patches. The patches are usually small and round. Sometimes itching may occur in the area where a new bald patch is occurring.

Duration of Symptoms

• How long the disease lasts varies widely from one child to another. Some children may have one or more bald patches for a short time and once the hair regrows, symptoms may never return. Other children experience a cycle of bald patches followed by regrowth that repeats indefinitely.

Associated Conditions

• Children with alopecia areata may also experience eczema, allergies, asthma, vitiligo or thyroid disease.

Treatment

• There is currently no effective treatment for alopecia areata. In some cases cortisone injections may help. Also, minoxidil and anthralin creams help some children, but not all.