KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 — Dermatologists from around the Asian region met last October 2 to form an Alopecia Action Group Asia under the auspices of the Asian Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AADV) and the Asian League of Dermatological Sociieties.(ALDS).
The objective of this group is to harness the collective power of international medical opinion and resources to address the problem of severe hair loss, particularly of severe Alopecia Areata in children.
Alopecia areata is an immune mediated dysfunction condition resulting in hair loss on the scalp and other hair-bearing areas of the body. It is a common cause of baldness.
It can affect up to 2 per cent of the population. All age groups are vulnerable, but it is more common in children, affecting more girls than boys. It is more common in Asians and Hispanics.
The condition tends to be more stubborn and progressive in children less than 5 years old.
Many of the children suffer from the immense psychological burden of this disease and parents in many countries do not have the opportunity to access proper medical care and socio-psychological support.
Social support services for children affected by AA is lacking in most Asian countries.
The action group will initiate a register for Alopecia Areata to help research and treatment. An Asian consensus will be developed by experts to set the benchmark and guidelines for safe and effective treatment.
They will also address the lack of public awareness and patient support groups to help patients and families affected.
