Selected Topics in Pediatric Hair Loss

The document from 2007 reviews three common pediatric hair loss disorders: traction alopecia (TA), tinea capitis (TC), and alopecia areata (AA). TA, often caused by hairstyles that pull on the hair, had a 17.1% prevalence among 1042 South African schoolgirls and is more common in females, especially African-American and Hispanic. Early diagnosis and cessation of hair-pulling hairstyles are crucial, with treatments including antibiotics, steroids, and minoxidil. TC, a fungal infection, is the most common cause of hair loss in children aged 3-7 and is treated with antifungals like griseofulvin, with other antifungals being considered. AA, an autoimmune disease with an incidence of 20.2 per 100,000 person-years in the USA, often occurs before age 40, with a peak in children aged 2-6 years. Diagnosis relies on physical examination, and treatment options include topical corticosteroids, minoxidil, and immune-modulating therapies, though few have been tested in randomized trials. Up to 80% of patients with limited AA may experience spontaneous regrowth within a year. The document highlights the importance of early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and addressing the psychosocial impact of hair loss in children.