Defining trichoscopy clue in children with alopecia areata

Abstract

Alopecia areata (AA) were considered autoimmune non-scarring hair loss, found in 0.2% of the general population. Trichoscopy is a strong supporting diagnostic tool, especially for pediatric AA, which commonly presents in daily practice, and this case report aims to highlight its importance. A 4-year-old girl was brought to the outpatient clinic with a chief complaint of enlarging baldness for nine months. The lesion was initially coin-sized and gradually enlarged without itchiness. Supporting diagnostics revealed a reactive toxoplasma IgG with unremarkable trichoscopic findings, leading to the diagnosis of toxoplasma-related AA. Follow-up examination of trichoscopy after six weeks of therapy revealed significant improvement as indicated by short velus hair, pigtail hair, and upright regrowth. Prior reports have shown that there are several findings distinguishing adult and pediatric AA. Although these findings may be absent during the initial assessment, follow-up trichoscopy is essential to show hair regrowth indicating successful therapy. Trichoscopy serves as a valuable tool in the management of AA, with pediatric patients providing specific characteristics. Moreover, findings may differ depending on disease activity.