Alopecia

A child with alopecia has hair loss from the immune system attacking hair follicles. There is no permanent damage to the hair follicles; the hair follicles remain alive and can grow hair again when they receive the appropriate signal.

There are three types of alopecia:

• Areata
• Totalis
• Universalis 

Alopecia areata is the most common type and presents as round patches of hair loss of different sizes. In alopecia areata totalis, there is a total loss of hair on the scalp. In alopecia areata universalis, the least common form, there is a loss of hair over the entire scalp and body.

Conventional treatment for alopecia usually includes topical or oral medications. If the child is struggling with the psychosocial impact of losing their hair, ideally, the child also works with a therapist, clinical psychologist, or support group.

“Dr. Sue’s comprehensive approach pieced together the pieces of the puzzle for me that I couldn’t between our pediatrician and lots of reading! The testing she did made sense and the results helped me better understand my son’s health needs.” – Carly Elia