DERMATOLOGY
CLINIC Kaylee Diagnosed at 3,
alopecia areata
Imagine being a 3-year-old girl and finally able to grow your hair long like
mom’s – only to find it was falling out in places.
Kaylee was just at the stage of wearing a ponytail when her mom discovered circular bald patches on her head while brushing her hair. She had not been ill and had no other symptoms.
After a trip to the doctor, it was determined that Kaylee was suffering from alopecia areata, a type of hair loss condition commonly occurring as one to a few or more round, bald patches on the scalp. It affects approximately 1
percent to 2 percent of the population, half of which are children under the age of 20.
Topical treatment was used for about 1 year, and Kaylee’s condition remained under control until she turned 10 years old and entered the fifth grade.
“The cause of developing alopecia areata is unknown. Immune cells attack hair follicles for reasons we don’t yet completely understand,” said
Dr. Denise W. Metry, clinic chief at
Texas Children’s Dermatology Clinic. “Generally, no other medical condition is affecting the child with alopecia areata, but it has been known to accompany other autoimmune disorders such as thyroid disease, for example. Because the exact cause of the hair loss is not understood, there are only treatments, but no cure.”
Alopecia areata can be variable in degrees of severity – one bald patch to a few round, bald patches or it may be as extensive as complete hair loss, including eyelashes and all body hair.
However, prognosis is good and most hair regrowth is accomplished within a year or two. Less that one in 10 cases suffer complete hair loss that doesn’t grow back.
“Kaylee is treated with periodic steroid injections. It can be an effective way to treat alopecia areata,” said Metry. “She has come a long way and has much more hair than when I first met her. I especially enjoy Kaylee’s terrific attitude. She is motivated to treat the condition, comes in regularly and is a delight to be around.”
Today, Kaylee is an active teenager. She is a cheerleader at her high school, a member of the National Honor Society, involved in her church youth group and loves to just hang out with her friends.
“Alopecia areata is frustrating because there is no cure, but life goes on and I don’t want to miss out on anything,” said Kaylee. “Dr. Metry has been wonderful in allowing me to do the most aggressive treatment to minimize the amount of hair loss, especially at this busy time in my life.”
