Hair Loss in an Adolescent: A Case Study of a 13-Year-Old Girl with Alopecia Areata

In 2011, a case study of a 13-year-old girl with alopecia areata, a non-scarring autoimmune hair loss condition, was discussed. The girl presented with patchy hair loss, and a hair-pull test supported the diagnosis. Although hair often regrows within a year in 95% of cases, treatments like intralesional steroids and topical corticosteroids can expedite this process but do not prevent future episodes. Long-term benefits of treatments such as topical steroids and minoxidil were not proven, and severe cases might require topical immunotherapy, with treatments like anthralin and PUVA being prescribed by experienced clinicians due to potential adverse effects. The psychological impact of hair loss in adolescents was noted, and the importance of patient education and specialist referrals was emphasized. The National Alopecia Areata Foundation was identified as a resource for support. The document concluded that dermatologist referral is often necessary, with corticosteroids as the first-line treatment and hair regrowth typically seen within 6 months to a year, though recurrence is common.