Diagnosis and Management of Alopecia in Children

The 2014 document provides a comprehensive guide on diagnosing and managing various types of alopecia in children. It highlights tinea capitis as the most common cause of hair loss in children, which can be treated with oral antifungal therapy and antifungal shampoos. Alopecia areata (AA), another form of hair loss, is an autoimmune disorder with a variable prognosis, and treatment options include topical corticosteroids and other agents, depending on the age of the child. Traction alopecia, associated with tight hairstyles, can be reversed with changes in hairstyling. Telogen effluvium, characterized by a shift of hair follicles to the resting phase, is usually self-correcting within 6 to 12 months, and treatment focuses on addressing underlying issues. Trichotillomania, a compulsive hair-pulling disorder, may resolve in preschool children but can be chronic in older individuals, with behavioral therapy being an effective treatment. The document underscores the necessity of a detailed history and physical examination in the diagnosis of pediatric alopecia and emphasizes the importance of patient and parent counseling.