Alopecia in Children: The Most Common Causes

In the 1990 article, Atton and Tunnessen identified tinea capitis, trauma (including trichotillomania and traction), alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium as the four most common causes of hair loss in children, accounting for 90% to 95% of cases. Tinea capitis, a fungal infection, was the leading cause, particularly in children aged 5 to 15, and was treated with oral griseofulvin and selenium sulfide shampoo. Alopecia areata was the second most common cause, associated with autoimmune diseases and having an unpredictable course, with a poor prognosis if it progressed to alopecia totalis or universalis before puberty. Trichotillomania was more frequent in female adolescents and might require psychological intervention. Telogen effluvium was usually temporary, resolving within 6 months. The article also discussed less common causes of hair loss and emphasized the importance of a careful examination for correct diagnosis.