Crisaborole as a Potential Treatment for Pediatric Alopecia Areata: A Case Report and Literature Review

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes non-scarring hair loss, often affecting pediatric patients, where it can significantly impact both psychological well-being and quality of life. While corticosteroids and other systemic therapies are commonly used to treat AA, their side effects, especially in children, highlight the need for safer alternatives. This case report evaluates the use of crisaborole, a topical phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, as a potential treatment for pediatric AA. A 10-year-old female patient, who initially presented with a small patch of hair loss and failed to respond to topical corticosteroid therapy, was switched to crisaborole after concerns about corticosteroid-related side effects. After two weeks of treatment, significant hair regrowth was observed, and a follow-up at three months confirmed full regrowth. The mechanisms through which crisaborole may benefit AA include modulation of inflammation, improvement in blood flow to hair follicles, and promotion of follicular stem cell activity. Crisaborole's safety profile, with minimal systemic absorption, makes it a promising non-corticosteroidal alternative for pediatric patients. This case suggests that crisaborole may be an effective treatment for pediatric AA, but further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are needed to validate these findings.