Genetic Balding in a 6 and 8 year old?

Genetic Balding: How young does it  affect?

Androgenetic alopecia ( also known as genetic /hereditary balding) occurs in 50 % of men and 30 % of women by age 50.  Genetic balding can occur in teenagers but rarely occurs under age 11.

Italian dermatologists recently published an interesting report in the journal Pediatric Dermatology.  They described two healthy sisters aged 6 and 8 years who presented with a one year history of hair thinning which the dermatologists diagnosed as androgenetic alopecia.  Lab tests were normal in these two girls.Treatment with 2% minoxidil was successful in improving hair density.

Comment:

Although androgenetic alopecia is rare in the pre-teen years, it may rarely occur.  In these rare situations the first occurance is just before puberty during a period of hormonal change called "adrenarche." A strong genetic predisposition is often found... and the mother of the two girls in the study also had early onset of androgenetic alopecia at age 18.

Reference

Familial Androgenetic Alopecia in Siblings with Normal Endocrinologic Status. Pediatric Dermatology. Vol 29.  p 534-35.