Alopecia (say: al-uh-PEE-shee-uh) means hair loss. Alopecia is a common disorder. It usually happens on the scalp. But, in
severe forms, it can also involve hair all over the body.
It affects about 1.7% of people by the age of 50.
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| Alopecia Areata is seen as well-defined patches of hair loss. |
Three forms of alopecia
The form of alopecia depends on how much hair is lost:
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Alopecia areata: This is the most common type. People with alopecia areata have round, well-defined patches of hair loss.
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Alopecia totalis: Loss of all hair on the scalp.
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Alopecia universalis: Loss of all scalp and body hair.
Causes of alopecia areata
We do not know exactly what causes alopecia areata. But it seems to be the result of an auto-immune process. This means that
the immune system attacks the hair follicles by mistake. The follicle (say: FALL-ick-ull) is the pocket at the base of the
skin that grows and holds the hair. When it is attacked, it lets go of the hair. The damage does not last forever. The follicle
can still work and grow hair.
The course for alopecia areata changes from patient to patient. It is hard to predict exactly what will happen in your child’s
case.
How alopecia areata is diagnosed
Your child’s doctor will diagnose alopecia areata by examining your child and talking to your family. Testing is usually not
needed to diagnose alopecia areata.
With alopecia areata, the immune system may also attack other organs, such as the thyroid and adrenal glands. So, your child’s
doctor will order some tests to see if they have been damaged.
Medical treatment for alopecia areata
Your doctor may decide not to give your child any treatment for alopecia areata at first. Sometimes the hair can grow back
by itself. A “wait and see” approach may be the best option.
Most smaller, single patches of alopecia have a good chance to grow again with treatment. New patches may develop over a period
of weeks to months. Even with good response to treatment, though, the hair may fall out again after a period of re-growth
at first.
Other treatments may help treat the bald patches that exist but cannot prevent new ones from forming. Some of these treatments
include:
Alopecia universalis does not respond as well to medical treatment.
Supporting your child with alopecia areata
These are some of the things you can do to help your child cope:
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Educate your child about alopecia areata. Be honest and open and support your child. Knowledge is power and comfort.
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Discuss the situation with your child's principal and teacher. If they know what your child has, they will be more likely
to support your child. Give your child the option of informing classmates.
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Model good problem-solving and ways to cope. This means that it is all right to show and share your feelings. It is important
that you address the feelings of both you and your child. If you and your child have a hard time coping and it affects your
every day life, you may want to consider speaking with a counselor.
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Listen to your child. It is important that your child has someone that they trust and talk to. The person can be a family
member, friend, or a counselor.
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Encourage your child to pursue things he loves and guide him towards activiites that will help him feel good about himself.
Provide your child with positive messages and praise. Your words have a great impact on how your child feels about himself.
Self-esteem is crucial.
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Give your child the choice to interact with other children who have alopecia areata. This will allow him to share his experiences
and know he is not alone.
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Another way to cope with the disese is to minimize its effect on your child's appearance. Your child may want to wear a wig
or bandana.
Alopecia resources
DermNet NZ: The dermatology resource: www.dermnetnz.org
National Alopecia Areata Foundation: www.naaf.org
The Canadian Dermatology Association has a list of patient support groups: www.dermatology.ca/english/newsite/patients_public/support.html
Wigs: www.locksoflove.org/
Key points
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Alopecia areata causes hair loss.
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The doctor will diagnose alopecia areata by examining your child.
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Sometimes the lost hair grows back on its own.
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There are some treatments that will help treat the bald patches that exist, but they cannot stop new ones from forming.
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If your child is embarrassed about alopecia areata, changing hairstyles or wearing a wig may help.
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