Early Onset of Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia in Pediatric Patients: An Underrecognized Diagnosis

This study highlights the occurrence of Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) in pediatric patients, a condition traditionally seen in adult women. Conducted at Temple Hospital, the retrospective analysis reviewed records of 400 children with alopecia-related issues, identifying 10 cases of CCCA in patients aged 7 to 17, with a mean age of 13. Notably, 40% of these patients also had traction alopecia, often associated with tight hairstyles. Symptoms like pruritus and tenderness were common, and diagnosis delays ranged from 2 months to 5 years. The findings emphasize the need for early diagnosis and culturally sensitive care to prevent scarring and improve outcomes, as CCCA can lead to permanent hair loss if untreated.