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Alopecia (Hair Loss), Pediatric

Hope E. Rhodes, MD, MPH, FAAP and Terry Kind, MD, MPH Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Absence of hair where it normally grows

  • Categorized as acquired or congenital

    • Most cases are acquired: Tinea capitis is most common, followed by traumatic alopecia and alopecia areata.

  • ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

Attempt to classify the alopecia. This will guide the diagnosis and treatment plan. 
  • Question: Is the loss acquired or congenital? Is the alopecia treatable? Is it likely to be self-li...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Treatment of alopecia is guided by the underlying cause.

  • Most patients with alopecia areata do not need treatment, as regrowth will occur spontaneously. Other than reassurance...

ONGOING CARE

PROGNOSIS

  • Tinea capitis, alopecia areata, and traction alopecia

    • Hair will regrow, may take months

    • There is a poorer prognosis with alopecia universalis. <10% have full recovery.

  • Telogen ef...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Alkhalifah A, Alsantali A, Wang E, et al. Alopecia areata update: part II. Treatment. J Am Acad Dermatol.  2010;62(2):191–202. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Castelo-Soccio L. ...

CODES

ICD9

  • 704.00 Alopecia, unspecified

  • 110.0 Dermatophytosis of scalp and beard

  • 704.01 Alopecia areata

  • 704.09 Other alopecia

  • 757.4 Specified anomalies of hair

  • 312.39 Other disorders of impulse control

ICD10

  • ...

FAQ

  • Q: When can children with tinea capitis return to school?

  • A: Once treatment with a systemic antifungal has begun, the child may return to school. A topical shampoo such as selenium sulfide or ketoc...

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