Alopecia Areata, Autoimmune in Children
Alopecia Areata, Autoimmune in Children
Alopecia Areata, Autoimmune in Children
Autoimmune Alopecia Areata is common in children. Absolique Trichologist can have at least one case a week of alopecia areata in children age 4-10 years of age. All cases have presented with open follicles which means the follicle is still alive and hair regrowth is possible, if we can stop the autoimmune attack on the hair through the body. Normally alopecia areata starts with a singular round patch of hair loss that may go unnoticed by family. When the autoimmune attack continues more patches can appear and the parent may start to notice more than normal hair loss when washing and brushing the hair.
As the alopecia areata patches multiply and overlap it becomes more obvious something is going on. First reaction from parents is normally to visit the GP who may tell you it is stress, temporary and nothing to worry about as it is only hair after all. Some may refer to a dermatologist and recommended steroid creams topical. 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 autoimmune alopecia areata attacks.
Alopecia Areata, Autoimmune in Children:
- Alopecia areata is common in children
- Tends to be non-scarring meaning temporary alopecia areata
- Absolique Trichologist finds many underlying causes
Common underlying causes 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 for life. Other now proven factor is lowered immunity in children delivered by caesarean birth and no or limited breast feeding to build immunity. 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 in the digestive system.
Fussy eaters and exposure to wheat (gluten), because this is easy food and sometimes all the child will eat, contribute to lowering nutrition and immunity. Also playing a role here are genetics, if there are any autoimmune conditions in the immediate or secondary family, there is a possible autoimmune predisposition from hereditary factors. Some other common factors are low iron, ferritin and low Vitamin D. Iron stores in the body as ferritin both of which are required for many body systems and functions including oxygen, energy, growth and cellular function. Low iron, low ferritin and low Vitamin D can lead to lowered immunity in any human.
Establishing deficiencies in children is difficult as blood testing is not common at this age. The presence of autoimmune attack may trigger parent and GP to consider blood testing. Always include in blood tests; iron studies, B12, Vitamin D and haematology if that is all you can get. Growing up growth spurts can also drain ferritin storages and Vitamin D which is difficult to get with our safe sun smart society and indoor lifestyles. When we can establish deficiency, we can adjust food, absorption and use safe children’s supplements to help raise levels to support and rebuild the immune system which can help to stop the attack.
Trichologist at Absolique understands how hopeless parents can feel when it comes to the limited assistance available from the medical system when it comes to alopecia areata. It could be reassuring to know I can help and explain why and how the alopecia occurred and how many choices you have to address it. Contact Absolique Hair Health Clinic Trichologist to find out more about our Alopecia Areata, Autoimmune in Children services info@absolique.com.au
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