Alopecia areata treated with hydroxychloroquine: A retrospective study of nine pediatric cases

Alopecia areata is a common hair loss condition that is often emotionally devastating for patients. There is a paucity of effective treatments available. Hydroxychloroquine has been reported as variably effective in inducing significant hair regrowth in adults with alopecia areata. The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the benefit and tolerability of hydroxychloroquine in pediatric alopecia areata.

We conducted a retrospective review of nine children with a history of alopecia areata treated with hydroxychloroquine. Clinical data were obtained from patients treated at two tertiary care centers in the United States between July 1, 2013, and July 1, 2015.

Alopecia scores of five patients improved by 6 months of treatment. Four patients experienced no improvement from baseline evaluation. The most common side effect associated with treatment was gastrointestinal intolerance and headache.

This retrospective series suggests that hydroxychloroquine can be considered as a treatment option for alopecia areata in children.