P7.84 ALOPECIA AREATA OF CHILDREN IN KOREA (1991-2003)

JY Ahn, JE Kim, BI Ro

Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Chung Ang University, Seoul, Korea 

Objectives : We performed a clinical and psychological study for alopecia areata in children in order to evaluate the clinical characteristics and psychosocial dynamics.

Methods : This study was performed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and psychosocial dynamics of children with alopecia from January, 1991 to December, 2003. Among 1750 new alopecia OPD patients, 315(18.0%) were children under 15 years old (Alopecia areata: 221, Alopecia totalis: 52, Alopecia universalis: 28 and trichotillomania: 14).     

Results: 1) The average age of alopecia in children was 8.0 years, and 56.0% were primary school students. 2) The most common type of alopecia in children was alopecia areata(70.2%). 3) Prior episodes of alopecia were observed in 16.2%, and family history was observed in 8.1%. 4) Atopic dermatitis was the most commonly associated diseases(55.0%). 5) Eldest siblings or children with stressful conditions due to school tasks and extracurricular activities had high morbidities(47.3%, 22.0%, respectively). 6) On neuropsychiatric consultation, psychiatrically problematic cases were observed in 51.7%, and neurotic children and adjustment disorders were the most common problems among them.

Conclusions: These results suggest that alopecia in children were predominantly developed in primary school students, eldest siblings, children with atopic dermatitis or deficient parent-child relationships. Psychologic stress is an important factor in the development of the disease or may contribute as an aggravating factor.