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A Retrospective Study on Alopecia Areata in Children: Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Choices
Christina Stefanaki1, George Kontochristopoulos1, Eleni Hatzidimitraki2
1Pediatric Dermatology Clinic, Andreas Sygros University Skin Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Insights
Alopecia areata (AA) in children typically presents mildly, often on the scalp. Potent topical steroids are the most effective treatment for promoting hair regrowth in pediatric cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Dermatology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Alopecia areata (AA) frequently affects children, but data on its clinical features and treatment are limited.
- Understanding pediatric AA is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical characteristics of alopecia areata in children.
- To evaluate treatment choices and outcomes for pediatric alopecia areata.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric dermatology records over 12 years.
- Inclusion of 364 children diagnosed with alopecia areata aged 1-12 years.
- Collection of clinical data, treatment regimens, and follow-up information.
Main Results:
- The majority of pediatric AA cases (90.7%) presented with scalp patches; severe forms (totalis/universalis) were rare.
- Topical steroids were the primary treatment (69.1%), followed by topical steroids with minoxidil (14.3%).
- Potent topical and intralesional steroids showed the best results for hair regrowth, which was treatment-dependent (p=0.003).
Conclusions:
- Pediatric alopecia areata commonly manifests as a mild form.
- Potent topical steroids are the recommended mainstay treatment for childhood alopecia areata.
Background:
Although children are affected frequently with alopecia areata (AA), data are limited on clinical characteristics and treatment choices.
Materials And Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the records of the pediatric dermatology department over a 12-year period to identify children with AA. Clinical data were collected.
Results:
Three hundred and sixty-four children with AA were identified, aged 1-12 years, 214 males and 150 females. The mean age of onset was 6.6 years (±3.3). The disease presented with patches on the scalp in the majority (90.7%), whereas only 6 children had alopecia totalis or universalis. The most commonly prescribed treatment was topical steroids (69.1%), followed by the combination of topical steroids and minoxidil 2% (14.3%). Oral steroids were prescribed in only 16 children. Follow-up at 3 months was available for only 70 children and the majority (84.3%) had some hair regrowth. Hair regrowth was unrelated to the number of plaques (p = 0.257), disease location (p = 0.302), and atopy (p = 0.999). Hair regrowth only correlated with the type of treatment (p = 0.003) with potent topical and intralesional steroids giving the best results.
Conclusion:
AA usually presents with a mild form in children, and potent topical steroids are the mainstay of treatment.
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