What's Missing From This Picture? An Approach to Alopecia in Children

November 2007 in “ Archives of Disease in Childhood: Education & Practice ”

Peter A. Lio

telogen effluvium trichotillomania tinea capitis alopecia areata corticosteroids contact sensitization therapy hair-pulling disorder ringworm of the scalp

Studysummary This review discusses common causes of alopecia in children, such as telogen effluvium and alopecia areata, and highlights diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, but presents no new clinical results.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The 2007 document reviews common causes of alopecia in children, including telogen effluvium, trichotillomania, tinea capitis, and alopecia areata, detailing their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. It emphasizes the importance of history and physical examination in diagnosis and mentions laboratory tests for certain conditions. The document also discusses alopecia areata in depth, noting that while spontaneous recovery can occur, there are no treatments that modify the disease. Factors indicating a poorer prognosis are identified, and various treatments are evaluated, including corticosteroids and contact sensitization therapy, each with their own limitations and side effects. The review underscores the psychological impact of alopecia on children and the importance of providing support and counseling. No specific study sizes are mentioned as it is a general overview.

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Research cited in this study

10 / 10 results

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research Chronic Telogen Effluvium: Increased Scalp Hair Shedding in Middle-Aged Women

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