Autoimmune Alopecia Areata in Children

Sadly, autoimmune Alopecia Areata is now common in children. As Absolique Trichologist I now have at least one case a week of alopecia areata in children age 4-10. On a positive note all cases present with open follicles which means the follicle is still alive and hair regrowth is possible, if we can stop the autoimmune attack. Alopecia areata normally starts with a singular round patch of hair loss that may go unnoticed. As the autoimmune attack continues more patches can appear and the parent may start to notice more than normal hair loss.

This is when the now multiplying patches are discovered. The first reaction from parents is normally to visit the GP whom may tell you it is stress, temporary and nothing to worry about. You may be referred to a dermatologist and recommended steroid creams. This is all good and well, but autoimmune attacks do not normally happen for no reason and getting to the underlying cause, I find is the best solution with the best out come for hair regrowth now and to prevent further attacks in the future.

Autoimmune Alopecia Areata in Children:

Autoimmune alopecia areata is common in children
Alopecia areata tends to be non-scarring meaning temporary
Finding many common denominators

Some common denominators I am finding in children’s alopecia areata are lowered immunity from birth meaning the use of various medications and antibiotics during the first 3 years of life when the immune system is being built for the child. Another now proven factor is lowered immunity in children delivered by caesarean birth and no or limited breast feeding. Then there is the use of cow’s milk on a lowered immunity which begins to create allergy to dairy and the start of autoimmune response.

Add to this fussy eaters and exposure to wheat (gluten) because this is easy food and what the child will eat. Genetic also play a role here, if there are any autoimmune conditions in the immediate or secondary family, there is a possible autoimmune predisposition. Other common factors are low ferritin and low Vitamin D. Ferritin is the storage of the bodies iron which is required for oxygen, energy, growth and many other important actions within the cell. Both low ferritin and low Vitamin D lead to lowered immunity.

It can be difficult to establish deficiencies in children as blood testing is not common in this age range. In the presence of autoimmune attack, parent and GP may consider blood testing valid. If so, always test iron studies and Vitamin D if nothing else. Growth spurts can also drain ferritin low storage tank and Vitamin D is difficult to get with our safe sun smart society. If we can establish deficiency, we can adjust food, absorption and use safe children’s supplements to help raise levels, support and rebuild the immune system.

Absolique Trichologist understands how hopeless parents can feel when it comes to the limited understanding and assistance available from the medical system. I want to reassure you I can help to explain why and how the alopecia occurred and how many choices you have to address it, there is much hope. Please contact Absolique Hair Health Clinic Trichologist to find out more about our autoimmune alopecia areata children’s services ua.mo1787342384c.euq1787342384ilosb1787342384a@ofn1787342384i1787342384

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