Common causes of paediatric alopecia

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dermatology
• General Practice

Background:

• Hair loss in children under 12 years is typically benign and self-limiting.
• This review focuses on assessing common causes of pediatric alopecia.
• It also outlines implications for general practice management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically assess children with alopecia.
• To manage common pediatric alopecia conditions.
• To identify patients needing specialist dermatological referral.

Main Methods:

• Review of common pediatric alopecia causes.
• Guidance on assessment and management for general practitioners.
• Criteria for referral to a dermatologist.

Main Results:

• Common pediatric alopecia causes include tinea capitis, alopecia areata, traction alopecia, trichotillomania, and telogen effluvium.
• Most pediatric alopecia cases are non-scarring.
• Scarring alopecia requires scalp biopsy and specialist care.

Conclusions:

• General practitioners can manage straightforward tinea capitis cases.
• Referral to a dermatologist is indicated for uncertain diagnoses, treatment failures, or scarring alopecia.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are key for pediatric hair loss.