Alopecia areatais anautoimmune disordercharacterized by the rapid onset of hair loss in a sharply defined area.
Children, teens, and adults can be affected and genetics play a part in who develops it.
The most common symptoms of alopecia areata include:
Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealand and Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealand and © Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
“Exclamation-mark” hairs may be seen at the margin of the patch.
These are broken, short hairs that taper at the base.
Pulling slightly on these hairs causes them to fall out.
Alopecia areata’s inflammatory immune response triggers a premature telogen or late catagen stage within the hair follicles.
The condition can occur at any age.
Early-onset alopecia areata, defined as occuring between ages 5 and 10, tends to be most severe.
However, in the majority of patients, the hair will regrow completely within one year without any treatment.
That said, because hair loss can be embarrassing and cause anxiety, the condition can be treated.
It’s important to note that treatment isn’t always necessary or advisable.
The most common course of action is simple observation.
Topical steroids.This is a first-line treatment for both children and adults.
It may take several months for the hair to grow back using this method.
Steroid injection.This is considered the treatment of choice for adults with alopecia areata of the scalp or eyebrows.
The main side effect of any steroid use is thinning of the skin.
These injections are not used in children younger than 10 years old.
This medication is applied topically to affected areas and comes in either a foam or a solution.
Because minoxidil is relatively safe, it’s considered a good treatment choice for young children.
The most common irritant used is called anthralin.
Taking a short course of oral steroids for about six weeks can regrow hair.
Because of the risk of side effects, oral steroids should not be taken long term.
Also, once oral steroids are stopped the new hair may fall out again.
After oral steroids are stopped most people are switched over to another treatment to continue hair regrowth.
Talk to your healthcare provider not just about potential treatments, but cosmetic options to reduce embarrassment and anxiety.
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