Alopecia pediátrica

• Alopecia areata - This is a non-contagious hair loss condition thought to be caused by your child’s own immune system attacking his or her hair follicles. Usted puede notar una aparición repentina de áreas redondas u ovaladas de pérdida de cabello que son uniformes (sin descamación ni cabellos quebrados).
• Endocrine problems - Hypothyroidism can occur in children and lead to hair loss. Esta es una afección en la que la glándula tiroidea es hipoactiva y no produce suficientes hormonas para regular el metabolismo.
• Non-medical hair loss - There are some causes of hair loss that will resolve on their own. Muchos recién nacidos pierden el cabello durante los primeros meses, y este se reemplaza por cabello permanente. Los bebés también pueden tener áreas calvas por la fricción con el colchón de la cuna o el asiento de seguridad para el automóvil. Y las niñas de cualquier edad pueden sufrir una pérdida de cabello leve por el exceso de ajuste de las colas de caballo o las trenzas, o por cepillarlo bruscamente.
• Nutritional deficiency - This is a less common cause in children, but a deficiency in biotin or zinc – or excess vitamin A in the body – can lead to hair loss.
• Telogen effluvium - This condition can be caused by extreme stress (high fever, severe injury, surgery, death in the family, or reaction to some prescription medication) that interrupts the normal hair growth cycle. Los folículos pilosos dejan de crecer y, varias semanas después del suceso estresante, es posible que note que el cabello de su hijo cae excesivamente, lo que, a veces, produce calvicie parcial o total.
• Tinea capitis (ringworm) - This is sometimes called “ringworm” (a fungal infection) of the scalp. Usted puede notar áreas redondas u ovaladas de pérdida de cabello en la cabeza de su hijo, y el cabello puede quebrarse y dejar manchas negras en el cuero cabelludo. Esta afección es contagiosa.
• Trichotillomania (trich or TTM) - This non-contagious form of hair loss is caused by a child pulling, plucking or otherwise removing his or her own hair. Usted puede notar una pérdida de cabello irregular con cabellos quebrados. This is frequently triggered by stress or anxiety.

¿cómo se diagnostica la alopecia pediátrica?

Para diagnosticar la causa de la alopecia, el médico de su hijo examinará el cuero cabelludo para detectar los síntomas visibles.

• Alopecia areata - is diagnosed through a physical examination and medical history.
• Endocrine problems - Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed through blood tests.
• Nutritional deficiencies - if suspected, can be diagnosed through blood tests.
• Tinea capitis (ringworm) - is usually diagnosed by microscopic examination.
• Trichotillomania (trich or TTM) - This is often diagnosed by ruling out other conditions, a physical examination, and a conversation about recent stressors. A trichogram and hair-pull test may be used for telogen effluvium, and your child’s doctor will follow up to ensure hair growth returns after the stressful event.

¿cuáles son las causas de la alopecia pediátrica?

The most common causes are non-medical (pulling hair too tight, brushing roughly, newborn hair loss) or caused by tinea capitis (a fungal infection), alopecia areata (immune system attacking hair follicles), trichotillomania (hair pulling or plucking often caused by anxiety), or telogen effluvium (caused by severe illness or other stressful event).

¿cómo se trata la alopecia pediátrica?

Existen varios tratamientos para la alopecia, según el tipo de afección que se le haya diagnosticado al niño.

• Alopecia areata - there is no cure, but treatment can often control the disorder. If your child is young, his or her doctor may prescribe strong corticosteroid ointments you can apply to bald spots. Other options include intralesional treatment, oral treatment, and topical immunotherapy.
• Endocrine problems - If your child is diagnosed with hypothyroidism, a referral to an endocrinologist may be indicated.
• Nutritional deficiencies - If identified – can be treated with supplements, but speak to your child’s doctor first.
• Telogen effluvium - has no treatment, so your child’s doctor will follow up to ensure hair growth is restored.
• Tinea capitis (ringworm) - If your child’s doctor diagnoses tinea capitis, he or she will prescribe an oral antifungal medication and an antifungal shampoo. Your child should not share any hats, pillowcases, or other items that touch the head, because this infection is contagious.
• Trichotillomania - Counseling can help children manage stress that leads to trichotillomania, so your child’s doctor may refer you to an appropriate professional.