LB1012 The development of a pediatric alopecia areata treatment classification system based on results from a systematic review
July 2024
in “
Journal of Investigative Dermatology
”
TLDR Topical corticosteroids are recommended first for treating pediatric alopecia areata due to safety and ease of use.
The study systematically reviewed 59 studies on 16 treatments for pediatric alopecia areata, leading to a new classification system based on disease severity and patient goals. Topical corticosteroids are recommended for initial treatment due to their safety and ease of use, while topical minoxidil and dithranol are used as adjuncts. Intralesional corticosteroids are effective for localized disease but challenging for children. Treatments like contact immunotherapy, systemic corticosteroids, and Janus kinase inhibitors show varying effectiveness and side effects. Despite being ineffective in adults, topical Janus kinase inhibitors can be effective in children. The study emphasizes the importance of shared decision-making, considering disease severity, patient goals, and adverse effects, while also addressing associated depression and social isolation.