Alopecia Areata in Children: An Overview of Clinical Features and Recent Treatment Options

Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic autoimmune condition causing non-scarring hair loss, with a rising incidence in children. It is caused by a loss of immune privilege in hair follicles, leading to T-lymphocyte attacks and hair loss. Children with AA often have comorbid autoimmune or allergic diseases. Diagnosis is typically made using trichoscopy, and children's symptoms can differ from adults. Treatment options for pediatric AA are limited, but corticosteroids and Janus kinase inhibitors have been found to be effective and safe, although they are not FDA-approved for this use. The document does not provide specific data on the number of children treated or the study design.