Understanding Symptoms of Children’s Hair Loss

March 12, 2010 · Filed Under Hair Loss 

When parents notice that their child is losing his or her hair, they are often quite alarmed. They tend to believe that their child has some serious disease, such as cancer. However, the good news is that this is rarely true. Although almost 2 million children experience some form of hair loss, most of them will outgrow it without any treatment whatsoever. However, the regrowth takes some time, and for forty percent of these children it won’t occur without some help from a doctor. Therefore, it is always a good idea for any parents who notice hair loss in their child to consult with a physician.

There are five types of children’s hair loss. Some of these are the result of habits and environment, others are caused by sickness and disease, and still others have causes which are not well understood by doctors. All of them, however, are treatable to at least some degree. Hair loss prevention is the best method to deal with hair loss.

The first two types of hair loss are health-related. Tinea Capitis, also known as ringworm of the scalp, is the first. This is caused by a fungus that invades the hair follicles, thus causing the hair to break and fall out. It is spread from child to child through shared combs, hats, and hair accessories. the resulting hair loss occurs in round patches, which may itch or appear scaly. It is not dangerous, but it does require treatment by a doctor. Telogen Effluvium, although also health related, requires no such measures. It is caused by a period of sickness, fever, or stress and will naturally resolve itself within three to six months.

Children’s hair loss can also be caused by environmental or personal factors. Types which fall into this category include Traction Alopecia and Children’s Trichotillomania. Traction Alopecia is the outcome of sensitive childhood hair being placed in tight hairstyles which damage the hair follicles and make the hair to fall out. The hair will finally return to normal after these hairstyles are changed, but it can take a long time for the follicles to entirely heal. On the other hand, children’s Trichotillomania is caused by the child himself. It is the outcome of him pulling his own hair out, typically due to emotional stress or frustration. Many times, the child isn’t even aware he is doing it. Therefore, the best course of action is usually to ignore the hair pulling and try to address the underlying cause.

The last type of hair loss that children can experience is also the least understood. It is called Children’s Alopecia Areata, and it is usually characterized by one or more circular bald patches on the scalp. The area usually looks and feels like normal skin, and doesn’t itch or contain any scabs. This can be alarming for parents, especially since the children affected by it are generally otherwise healthy. However, the good news is that in over eighty percent of the cases the hair will regrow on it’s own within a year.

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