hair loss and down syndrome children

[CHANTIE]

hi to all,
     My nephew is 6 yrs olr and is lossing his hair in big patches. so far, thiroid test showed nothing. what would anyone suggest, there is no redness or dryness. please help.-------- chantie

[Jennifer1987]

My brother is 9 and is completly bald, He has a thyroid problen. Its underactive.. Any connection???

[SimplyStar]

Alopecia Areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease involving the hair and nails. Although rare, it does tend to occur more often in people with Down syndrome. It is believed that AA is an autoimmune reaction where the body attacks its own hair follicles. A person with AA usually develops bald patches although generalized thinning or complete baldness may also occur. In most cases, children with AA may have a few small patches that disappear without treatment within one year. AA can be treated with topical steroids or topical irritants but in young children these treatments are usually not practical.