TLDR Six genetic conditions are often linked to complete scalp hair loss in children.
The review discusses six genetic conditions associated with total scalp alopecia in children, namely Alopecia totalis/Alopecia universalis (AT/AU), atrichia with papular lesions (APLs), Alopecia universalis congenita (AUC), Hereditary Vitamin D-Resistant Rickets (HVDRRs) type IIA, pure hair and nail ectodermal dysplasia (PHNED), and alopecia with mental retardation syndrome (APMR). AT/AU is the most commonly reported condition, with 103 case reports and clinical trials. The etiology of Alopecia areata (AA), including AT and AU, involves both genetic and epigenetic components. When a child presents with total scalp alopecia, these genetic conditions should be considered, and diagnosis can be aided by full body skin examination, genetic testing, and scalp biopsy. However, the prognosis for hair regrowth is generally poor due to the lack of effective treatment options.
290 citations,
December 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss, influenced by genetics, stress, and diet, and may be prevented by a high soy oil diet.
8 citations,
December 2016 in “Hormone Research in Paediatrics” Tunisian children with hereditary vitamin D-resistant rickets showed improvement with calcium treatment, and new genetic mutations were identified.
51 citations,
January 2014 in “Pediatric Clinics of North America” The guide explains how to identify and treat children's hair loss, including fungal infections, autoimmune disorders, hairstyle changes, self-correcting conditions, and behavioral therapy for hair-pulling.
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5 citations,
September 2013 in “The Journal of Dermatology” Researchers found a new mutation in the HR gene causing hair loss and skin bumps in a Pakistani family.
18 citations,
January 2013 in “PLoS ONE” HLA-DRB5 and other genes may be linked to alopecia universalis.
8 citations,
January 2011 in “International journal of trichology” Accurate diagnosis of APL is crucial to avoid unnecessary treatments.
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4 citations,
January 2011 in “Annals of Dermatology” Researchers found a new mutation in the HR gene linked to a rare hair loss condition.
6 citations,
November 2022 in “Journal of autoimmunity” JAK inhibitors like tofacitinib may effectively treat Alopecia Areata.
October 2022 in “Journal of Armed Forces Medical College, Bangladesh” Tofacitinib is effective and safe for treating alopecia areata.
39 citations,
April 2016 in “Case Reports in Dermatology” Tofacitinib temporarily regrew hair in a man with alopecia, but its effects didn't last.
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5 citations,
June 2015 in “Veterinary dermatology” A dog with complete hair loss regrew most hair after treatment, with no relapse after stopping treatment.
39 citations,
April 2003 in “Australasian journal of dermatology” PUVA treatment led to significant hair regrowth in over half of the patients with alopecia areata totalis and universalis.
