A clinico-etiological evaluation of hair loss in rural Indian children – A cross sectional study

Introduction: Hair loss in children is relatively less common when compared to adults but is associated with significant psychological stress that may affect the growth and development of the child. The type of alopecia is influenced by the age group, ethnicity, hair type, nutrition, environment and cultural factors also play a significant role in hair loss. This study aims at appraising our knowledge on the clinical presentations and various etiologies of alopecia in children. Materials and Methods: 1574 patients less than 18 years were screened, out of which 75 children fulfilling the criteria were enrolled for the study. A written informed consent was taken from the patient's parents or guardian. A detailed hair and scalp examination along with necessary investigations to establish the definitive diagnosis was done. The collected data were analyzed by the SPSS 22 version software. Results: In the present study, school going children (6-10 years) and adolescents (10-18 years) were commonly involved, almost equally affecting males and females. Majority of the cases were acquired non- scarring alopecia. Malnutrition, poor grooming habits, associated systemic diseases and stress were common risk factors. The most frequent etiologies were tinea capitis, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, trichotillomania, nevus sebaceous and scarring following infections. Conclusion: The present study highlights the various acquired and congenital causes of hair loss in children. Early diagnosis and treatment can alleviate the anxiety. The study emphasizes on the importance of addressing underlying malnutrition and poor grooming habits among the patients.