Diagnosis and Management of Hair Loss in Children

The document from August 1, 2016, discusses the various causes of hair loss in children, such as infections, autoimmune diseases, nutrition, medications, trauma, and genetic disorders. It highlights that most pediatric hair loss is nonscarring and that diagnosis typically involves a detailed history, physical examination, and sometimes dermoscopy or trichoscopy, with biopsies being rarely necessary. Specific conditions like tinea capitis, traction alopecia, and alopecia areata are common in children, each requiring different management approaches, including antifungal medications or topical steroids. Psychological support is also noted as beneficial. For older children and adolescents, trichotillomania may be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy and medications, while androgenetic alopecia may be treated with minoxidil and red light therapy, but not finasteride for those under 18. Diffuse hair loss can result from anagen effluvium, loose anagen syndrome, or telogen effluvium, and nutritional deficiencies can also lead to hair loss. The document underscores the necessity of thorough diagnostic procedures and age-appropriate treatments, along with psychological support for both the patient and their family.