Alopecia in pediatric population: A Clinico-epidemiological study

Abstract

Introduction: Alopecia or hair loss is a common disorder seen in pediatric population. The causes of alopecia in children are varied such as tinea capitis, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, bacterial infections, hair shaft defects, genetic and systemic disorders. In the past there have been only few studies regarding alopecia in children though many studies in adults have been conducted. Objectives: The present study was done to investigate the common and uncommon causes of alopecia in children. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in dermatology department of SKIMS Medical college, Srinagar, Kashmir.It included 100 patients of alopecia meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria.In addition to history and examination various laboratory investigations were performed to assess the cause of hair loss. Results: The results of the study showed the frequency of alopecia being more common in males(61%) as compared to females(39%). The commonest cause of alopecia was tinea capitis followed by alopecia areata and diffuse hair loss, the other uncommon causes being traction alopecia, trichotillomania, aplasia cutis and nevus sebaceous. Conclusion: The present study assessed the causes of alopecia in children and thus laid emphasis on early diagnosis and treatment of alopecia to prevent its progression to irreversible hair loss and damage.