Why our children hair loss?
How to treatments children hair loss? - Alopecia Areata

2. Children's Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is another common form of patchy hair loss in children. The typical story is the sudden appearance of one or more totally bald areas in the scalp. The child with this condition loses hair in circular patches sometimes up to two inches in diameter. The hair at the borders of these patches is loose, but the peach-colored scalp looks and feels normal, without scaling or inflammation.

hair loss

There may be just a few patches of hair loss or a total absence of body hair. Alopecia areata is not life-threatening, and children who have it are otherwise healthy. Why the hair falls out from the roots is still a mystery. What is known is that the condition is not contagious, caused by foods, or the result of nervousness, hyperactive disorders, or psychological stress. In 20% of cases another family member has been affected.

Some patients with this condition will also develop a grid-like pitting of the nails. Fortunately, over 80% children with Alopecia areata grow new hair back within twelve months. Oddly, the new hair may temporarily be white, but eventually the hair returns to its natural color. This is a much higher resolution rate than is seen in adults with the same condition, so the news is good.

Diagnosis

Currently there are no conclusive diagnostic tests for alopecia areata. Dermatologists deduce alopecia areata by a process of elimination of other hair loss causes and the close examination of the bald patch itself. Typically, the initial alopecia areata lesion appears as a smooth bald patch sometimes within 24 hours.

Some people feel a tingling sensation or pain in the affected area. The scalp is the most commonly affected area, but alopecia areata can present in any region of hair on the body. Hair pull tests are sometimes conducted at the margins of lesions. If hair is easily pulled out, it is indicative that the lesion is active and further hair loss should be anticipated. Since alopecia areata is fairly distinctive it is usually correctly diagnosed with a simple visual examination.

Treatment

There is no cure for alopecia areata and unfortunately since there is little understanding of the disease there are no FDA approved drugs or treatments specifically designed to treat AA. There are, however, several drugs being prescribed off label for the treatment of AA. These drugs are incorporated into the treatment protocols that appear to help a certain percentage of those afflicted with this disease.

Keep in mind that while these treatments may promote hair growth, none of them prevent new patches or actually cure the underlying disease. Consult your health care professional about the best option for your child.
Alopecia areata is an unpredictable disease and even with complete remission it is possible for it to occur again throughout your child's lifetime.