Congenital alopecia
Definition: Congenital alopecia refers to hair loss that is present at birth or develops in early childhood. It can be caused by various factors affecting hair follicle development.
Causes: Several factors can contribute to congenital alopecia, including:
Genetic disorders: Mutations in genes responsible for hair follicle development can cause various forms of congenital alopecia. Examples include Aplasia cutis congenita, Atrichia with papules syndrome, and Hypotrichosis-lymphedema-telangiectasia syndrome.
Autoimmune disorders: In rare cases, an autoimmune response may attack hair follicles during fetal development, leading to congenital alopecia.
Medications taken during pregnancy: Certain medications a mother takes during pregnancy can temporarily affect hair development in the baby.
Signs and Symptoms:
Patchy or complete hair loss on the scalp at birth or appearing in early childhood.
The hair may be very fine, sparse, or completely absent in affected areas.
In some cases, the scalp skin may appear smooth and shiny.
Treatment: Treatment options for congenital alopecia depend on the underlying cause. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for most genetic forms. However, some options may include:
Hair transplantation: In some cases, hair follicles from unaffected areas can be transplanted to bald patches on the scalp.
Wigs or hairpieces: These can provide cosmetic coverage for hair loss.
Micropigmentation: A cosmetic procedure that creates the appearance of tiny hair follicles on the scalp.
Disclaimer: Please consult a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment options for congenital alopecia.