About Alopecia

Alopecia; Auto-Immune Disease Affecting Hair Loss

Considered an auto-immune disease, alopecia, in children, is attributed to the body'snaturalimmune system responseon the hair follicles perceived to be a threat to the indivdiuals health. The

As a general rule, Alopecia affects different hair follicles at different times and stages of growth. At one stage, hair follicles at the center of the head may be affected, growing back within a few weeks only to find the hair follicles at the back of the head seems to be affected. Unfortunately, scientific studies have not determined the cause and origin of the Alopecia condition in chidlren but doattribute the auto-immune disease to a genetic defect.

Diagnosing a child with Alopecia is quite simple with most parents first recognizing the condition through abnormal hair patterns. When addressed with the pediatrician, Alopecia can be diagnosed through a series of laboratory blood work. What is most commonly found is Alopecia's co-morbid implication with conditions such as hay fever, allergies, anemia and even in children with Down's Syndrome.

Alopecia, in children, normally does not lead to total hair loss so treatment options are varied. However, Alopecia can lead to a loss of signfiicant hair in large patches on the head and, as a result, children born

As an added treatment for Alopecia in children, parents may opt for a form of psychotherapy in which the child is taught to focus on self esteem and inner beauty. Most often, this is common among children with severe alopecia, especially in young girls. Through early psychological intervention, young children learn the differentiate their personality from their outward appearance and can begin to build the necessary blocks of self esteem needed through the transition into adulthood. Self image classes in clothing design and make up are often recommended for adolescents struggling with Alopecia.

As parents, caring for a child with Alopecia, early diagnosis and treatment offers the optimal outcome in terms of a child's emotional development. While Alopecia can not be cured, the symptoms of the condition can often be alleviated and improved. This, coupled with psychological intervention and self esteem enhancement, will provide for an easier transition through life for the Alopecia afflicted child. To learn more About Alopecia in children, visit www.naaf.org.

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