Patient's question:
Is pediatric alopecia areata easy to treat, and why does it keep recurring after the child gets better? I don't know how to deal with it.Doctor's answer:
Factors or causes of hair loss and treatment:Genetic factors:
Genetic factors such as developmental defects, various syndromes, and progeria can lead to complete hair loss or thinning; poor hair follicle development can cause fine, soft, and easily broken hair. Congenital alopecia is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder, often seen in offspring of consanguineous marriages.
Autoimmune factors:
Some studies suggest that autoimmune factors play a role in the development of alopecia areata. In the lower part of hair follicles affected by alopecia areata, T-cell infiltration is observed. In some patients, autoantibodies such as anti-thyroid antibodies and anti-parietal cell antibodies can be detected in their serum.
Medication factors:
Certain chemotherapy drugs, such as cyclophosphamide, fluorouracil, bleomycin, actinomycin D, vinca alkaloids, colchicine, and harringtonine, can cause hair loss. Toxic exposure to arsenic, thallium, and selenium can also lead to severe hair loss.
Psychological factors:
Many patients have a history of psychological trauma, anxiety, or tension before the onset of the condition. Various examinations of the patient often fail to reveal any evidence of internal organ diseases.
Nutritional factors:
A reduction in dietary intake can slow hair growth. If the protein content in the diet decreases, even with a normal total food intake, hair growth may be inhibited. Low-fat or fat-free diets can cause baldness, while excessive fat intake can lead to overactive sebaceous glands, impairing hair growth. A deficiency in vitamin A can cause hair loss. A lack of B vitamins or pantothenic acid can lead to dry, colorless hair. Zinc or iron deficiency can cause hair loss, while copper deficiency can reduce hair pigment.
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