Congenital Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review

This systematic review analyzed 12 cases of congenital alopecia areata, a condition typically considered acquired, revealing a female predominance and a positive family history in 42.7% of cases, suggesting genetic factors. The study found that topical corticosteroids were effective in achieving partial or total hair regrowth in 83.3% of treated patients, indicating they are a reasonable first-line treatment. The review highlights the importance of considering congenital alopecia areata in newborns for proper diagnosis and treatment, despite limitations such as small sample size and potential underreporting. The findings suggest that congenital cases may offer insights into the pathophysiology of alopecia areata.