Quality of life in children with scalp hair loss: a Clinico-epidemiological study

This study assessed the impact of scalp hair loss on the quality of life (QoL) in 350 Egyptian children aged 4 to 16, identifying tinea capitis, tractional alopecia, and alopecia areata as the most common disorders. Using the Cartoon Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI), it found that hair disorders significantly negatively affected the QoL of 48.3% of the children, particularly in personal relationships, with effects worsening with age. The study underscores the importance of early diagnosis, treatment, psychosocial support, and school-based programs to address bullying and stigma, while also suggesting national screening programs and parental counseling to alleviate the emotional impact on children. Despite limitations like its single-center focus and reliance on self-reported data, the study provides a basis for future research.