A Retrospective Study on Alopecia Areata in Children: Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Choices.

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.