Clinico-Epidemiological and Therapeutic Aspects of Alopecia Areata in Children at the Dermatology Department, University Hospital of Antananarivo, Madagascar

February 2026 in “ International Journal of Clinical Dermatology ”

Herin'Ny Andriatahina, A.M.K.A. Rakotomanana, Fandresena Sendrasoa, Tsiory Razafimaharo, Moril Sata, F. Rakotonandrasana, Onivola Raharolahy, M Andrianarison, Irina Mamisoa Ranaivo, Lala Soavina Ramarozatovo, Fahafahantsoa Rapelanoro

alopecia areata patchy alopecia alopecia totalis alopecia ophiasis alopecia universalis topical corticosteroids systemic treatments mini-pulse corticosteroid therapy methotrexate

TLDR Alopecia areata in children shows varied forms and treatment challenges, with some achieving full or partial hair regrowth.

This study examined 25 cases of alopecia areata (AA) in children under 15 years old at the University Hospital in Antananarivo, Madagascar. The most common form was patchy alopecia, followed by totalis, ophiasis, and universalis. Treatments primarily involved potent topical corticosteroids, sometimes combined with systemic treatments, and mini-pulse corticosteroid therapy. Methotrexate was used as a second-line treatment in some cases. Complete hair regrowth was achieved in 3 patients, while 14 experienced partial regrowth. The study highlights the varied presentation and challenging treatment of AA in children.

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