Permanent alopecia following cranial irradiation in a child

Abstract

Background: Cranial irradiation is commonly used in childhood leukemia, with many potential cutaneous adverse effects. Radiation-induced permanent alopecia owing to scalp fibrosis is a rare but disturbing side effect. Objective and Conclusion: Here we report a Saudi boy with acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia who developed radiation-induced cicatricial alopecia. Topical treatment using minoxidil solution was tried but was ineffective. © 2010 Canadian Dermatology Association.