My son is 6 years old, he has been suffering from alopecia areata for 3 years, now it's complete. I haven't vaccinated him for measles, mumps, and rubella yet. Now I am going to do so, but I am afraid. It is an autoimmune disease and isn't it a contraindication to not vaccinating?

Vaccination can activate autoimmune diseases to some extent, but there is a small risk of it. Absolutely, the benefits of vaccinations are much greater than the risk of worsening alopecia areata.

Remember that our expert's answer is informative and will not replace a visit to the doctor.

Elżbieta Szymańska, MD, PhD

Dermatologist-venereologist. He deals with classic and aesthetic dermatology. He works as a deputy manager in the Department of Dermatology at the Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior and as director of for medical matters, Center for Prevention and Therapy in Warsaw. Since 2011, he has been the scientific director of the Postgraduate Studies of the Medical University of Warsaw "Aesthetic Medicine".

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