Considered an auto-immune disease, alopecia, in children, is attributed to the body’s natural immune system response on the hair follicles perceived to be a threat to the indivdiuals health. The attack is often attributed to the body’s natural immune system working to fight against bacteria and viruses and, inadvertantly, mistakes the hair follicles as a threat to the health of the individual. Alopecia does not discriminate against sex, age or ethnicity. Not considered life threatening condition, Alopecia’s most signficant side effect lies in the loss of hair which is considered a cosmetic defect for which most parents become concerned in terms of the emotional well being of their child.
As a general rule, Alopecia affects different hair follicles at different times and stages of growth. At one stage, hair follicles at the center of the head may be affected, growing back within a few weeks only to find the hair follicles at the back of the head seems to be affected. Unfortunately, scientific studies have not determined the cause and origin of the Alopecia condition in chidlren but do attribute the auto-immune disease to a genetic defect.
Diagnosing a child with Alopecia is quite simple with most parents first recognizing the condition through abnormal hair patterns. When addressed with the pediatrician, Alopecia can be diagnosed through a series of laboratory blood work. What is most commonly found is Alopecia’s co-morbid implication with conditions such as hay fever, allergies, anemia and even in children with Down’s Syndrome.
Alopecia, in children, normally does not lead to total hair loss so treatment options are varied. However, Alopecia can lead to a loss of signfiicant hair in large patches on the head and, as a result, children born with Alopecia may opt to shave or cut all of their hair so as to not create a distorted partial hair image. As an added treatment option, parents, of children with Alopecia, may choose to supplement hair styling choices with the use of mild to moderate corticosteroids to modify the immune system response. Given as injections or orally, many parents will opt for topical corticosteroid creams and lotions so as to not create a more frightening health experience for the child suffering from Alopecia.
As an added treatment for Alopecia in children, parents may opt for a form of psychotherapy in which the child is taught to focus on self esteem and inner beauty. Most often, this is common among children with severe alopecia, especially in young girls. Through early psychological intervention, young children learn the differentiate their personality from their outward appearance and can begin to build the necessary blocks of self esteem needed through the transition into adulthood. Self image classes in clothing design and make up are often recommended for adolescents struggling with Alopecia.
As parents, caring for a child with Alopecia, early diagnosis and treatment offers the optimal outcome in terms of a child’s emotional development. While Alopecia can not be cured, the symptoms of the condition can often be alleviated and improved. This, coupled with psychological intervention and self esteem enhancement, will provide for an easier transition through life for the Alopecia afflicted child. To learn more about Alopecia in children, visit www.naaf.org.
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