Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Hair loss can occur on the head and anywhere else on the body. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, nearly 2 percent of the U.S. population will develop alopecia in their lifetime, with about 5 percent of those affected losing all of their scalp hair or all scalp and body hair. Though alopecia can affect people of all ages, children are most often affected. Dealing with alopecia can be a struggle for many children, since hair loss makes them stand out among their peers.
Risk Factors
There is a genetic component to alopecia. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, if your child has a family member with alopecia, he has a 20 percent chance of developing the disease. However, most children with the disease don't have an affected parent and the precise interplay between genetics and other triggers is still poorly understood. People of both genders and all ethnicities are affected.
Causes
Alopecia occurs when the white blood cells of the immune system attack hair follicles, the cell type responsible for hair growth. As a result, hair falls out. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, or NIAMS, the stem cells that differentiate into hair follicles are unaffected, so there is always the potential for hair to grow back after an attack.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Alopecia often begins with the appearance of round bare patches on the scalp. Hair loss can occur on any part of your child's body that normally has hair including eyebrows and eyelashes. Alopecia generally has no other symptoms besides hair loss, though your child may experience itching or minor discomfort before hair falls out. A dermatologist can often diagnose alopecia by examining your child's scalp. Sometimes, a scalp biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
There is no cure for alopecia. However, sometimes medications are used to promote hair growth. According to NIAMS, medication options include corticosteroids and minoxidil. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat many autoimmune disorders by suppressing the immune system. Corticosteroids can be given in the form of a local injection at the site of hair loss, orally or as a topical ointment. Minoxidil has been traditionally used to treat male and female pattern baldness. However, according to NIAMS, it has also been shown to promote hair growth in children when applied twice daily.
Coping and Support
Children with alopecia often feel ostracized from their peers due to hair loss. According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, known as NAAF, children under the age of 5 have very little reaction to their hair loss. However, in children ages 6 to 12, alopecia has the capacity to make them feel self-conscious and different.
The Children's Alopecia Project suggests two primary ways for children to cope with alopecia. The first method of coping places emphasis on a child's self-worth independent of hair. This often includes connecting with others with the disease, becoming educated about the condition and, when necessary, seeking therapy. The second method of coping involves minimizing the effects of hair loss on the child's appearance, whether through a wig, bandanna or cap. NAAF offers a variety of support programs for those with alopecia, including message boards, support groups and a parent support pack.
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