Braids or Ponytail-Associated Traction Alopecia in Female Children
January 2019
in “
Annals of dermatology/Annals of Dermatology
”
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Studysummary Changing hairstyles can help hair regrow in children with hair loss from tight braids or ponytails.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The study on braids or pony-tail-associated traction alopecia (BPTA) in 24 female children, with an average age of 5.92 years, found that hairless patches were mostly near the parting lines of the scalp, with a mean disease duration of 1.2 months. Spontaneous hair regrowth occurred within 1.5 months after changing the hairstyle. Dermoscopic findings, such as black dots, broken hairs, and split ends, were key indicators of BPTA, helping to distinguish it from alopecia areata (AA). Misdiagnosis with AA happened in 37.5% of cases, leading to unnecessary treatments. The study highlighted the importance of recognizing hairstyle history and using dermoscopy for accurate diagnosis and management of BPTA.
