Alopecia Areata, or alopecia, is the sudden appearance of bald round-shaped patches on the scalp. The American Hair Loss Association claims that at one in 1,000 children has alopecia, and writes that there is no cure or FDA-approved drugs for this condition. There are, however, several drugs being used to treat alopecia, and with dermatological treatments. most will have their hair grow back within one year or sooner.
Steroid Creams
Ointments or creams with cortisone or steroids are a preferred treatment method for children because they are less traumatic than steroid injections. These creams are rubbed directly onto the the bald patches. If the alopecia does not improve, many doctors will prescribe these creams in conjunction with Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine.
Minoxidil
Both Cidpusa.org, and Dr. Jerry Shapiro, director of the University of British Columbia Hair Research and Treatment Centre, describes a protocol involving Minoxidil, more well-known as Rogaine, for treating alopecia in children under age 12. Minoxidil can be prescribed alone, or administered in conjunction with a steroid cream or anthralin, a synthetic tar-like substance that alters the skin's immune function. Treatments of any combination should be applied twice daily, and results will take at least 12 weeks to be noticeable.
Corticosteroid Injections
Because injections can be painful, they are usually a last option for treating alopecia in children. The cortisone steroids are injected directly into the bald patches, and results are usually noticeable within a month or two. Side effects at the injection site are short-term pain, mild swelling, a small but temporary indentation in the scalp and possible a change in skin pigmentation. These side effects will disappear when hair growth resumes and covers it. If successful, injections will be repeated monthly.
