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Hair Loss in Children With Down Syndrome
by Sandy Keefe
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Overview
Down syndrome (DS) is a developmental disability caused by an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. DS is associated with a number of health conditions, including a specific type of hair loss known as alopecia areata.
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Features
A child with alopecia areata will have scattered patches of hair loss with clear borders. The rest of his hair will be normal, without thinning seen in other types of hair loss.
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Causes
According to Emedicine, the high incidence of alopecia areata in people with DS suggests a gene located on the 21st chromosome has something to do with the hair loss. It is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, and children with DS are more prone to these diseases.
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Incidence
According to the website Down Syndrome: Health Issues, alopecia areata is seen in 5 to 9 percent of people with DS, compared to only 1 to 2 percent of typically developing individuals.
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Duration
It's difficult to predict the course of alopecia. The child may regrow all her hair or some of her hair. She may have repeated episodes of alopecia. Typically, there will be some degree of hair regrowth within a year.
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Treatment
Alopecia is not curable, and there are no approved treatments for this condition in children with DS.
