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Alopecia areata in Infant/Neonate

See also in: External and Internal Eye,Hair and Scalp,Nail and Distal Digit
Contributors: Vivian Wong MD, PhD, Sarah N. Robinson MD, Belinda Tan MD, PhD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Alopecia areata is a T lymphocyte-mediated autoimmune disease of the hair follicle resulting in nonscarring hair loss. Most cases are limited to 1 or 2 small patches of alopecia that involve the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or body hair, but in severe cases, all hair on the scalp is lost (alopecia totalis) or all scalp and body hair is lost (alopecia universalis). History of sudden onset is characteristic.

Alopecia areata is seen equally in both sexes and in patients of all ages and races / ethnicities; however, it is most commonly seen in patients between the ages of 5 and 40 years. There is an increased incidence of alopecia areata in patients with Down syndrome as well as those with autoimmune diseases, most commonly thyroid disease. In addition, there may be a family history of alopecia areata or autoimmune disease. Patients with alopecia areata are also more likely to have atopy, and its presence is felt to be a poor prognostic indicator. Alopecia areata following COVID-19 infection and COVID-19 vaccination has also been reported.

The course of alopecia areata is unpredictable, with wide variation in duration and extent of disease occurring from patient to patient. In most patients, hair will eventually spontaneously regrow, although recurrences are common. The condition is treatable but cannot be cured.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L63.9 – Alopecia areata, unspecified

SNOMEDCT:
68225006 – Alopecia areata

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Last Reviewed:01/21/2024
Last Updated:02/01/2024
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Patient Information for Alopecia areata in Infant/Neonate
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Alopecia areata in Infant/Neonate
See also in: External and Internal Eye,Hair and Scalp,Nail and Distal Digit
A medical illustration showing key findings of Alopecia areata (General) : Sparse eyebrows, Eyelash loss, Eyebrows
Clinical image of Alopecia areata - imageId=3997565. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'A smooth round patch of nonscarring alopecia on the occipital scalp with early hair regrowth after intralesional steroid injection.'
A smooth round patch of nonscarring alopecia on the occipital scalp with early hair regrowth after intralesional steroid injection.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.