Alopecia, or hair loss, is a disease that affects people of all ages. An estimated 3% of pediatric doctor visits in the U.S. are related to hair loss in children. Losing hair can be frightful for your child, whether they have bald patches or just thinning hair. The good news is that, with the right diagnosis, the majority of hair loss instances can be successfully treated.
What Are the Normal Symptoms of Hair Loss in Children?
Hair loss in children can be concerning for parents, but it's important to note that some degree of hair loss is normal and can occur during different stages of growth. Here are some common symptoms of hair loss in children:
- Bald patches: Small or large patches of hair loss on the scalp or other areas of the body.
- Thinning hair: Gradual thinning of hair over a period of time.
- Broken hair: Hair that appears to be broken, shorter or uneven in length.
- Itching or irritation: Children may complain of itching or discomfort in the affected area.
- Scaling or flaking: Presence of scales or flakes on the scalp or other affected areas.
It's important to note that hair loss in children can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, medical conditions, medications, or nutritional deficiencies. If you notice any significant hair loss in your child, it's best to consult a pediatrician or dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
What can Cause Hair Loss in a Child?
Infections or other issues with the scalp are frequently to blame for hair loss in young children. The most typical causes are listed below.
The Tinea Capitis
Kids who share personal objects like combs and headgear might contract this scalp illness. Although being a fungus, it also goes by the name "ringworm of the scalp."
When a child has tinea capitis, they have patches of hair loss with black dots where the hair has fallen off. They might develop rough, scaly, and red skin. Other signs and symptoms could include a fever and swollen glands.
By looking at your child's scalp, a dermatologist can determine if they have tinea capitis.In order to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will occasionally remove a very small bit of the diseased skin.
An oral antifungal medication is used orally for around eight weeks to treat tinea capitis. Your child won't infect other youngsters with the virus if you give him/her antifungal shampoo in addition to oral treatment.
Alopecia Areata
Hair loss is a symptom of the autoimmune condition alopecia. The hair-growing follicles are attacked by your immune system. Alopecia areata is a condition that affects about 1 child in every 1,000 in this area.
Depending on the pattern of hair loss, alopecia takes on various forms:
Alopecia areata causes: areas of hair loss on a child's scalp.
Alopecia totalis: the loss of all scalp hair.
Alopecia universalis: the loss of all body hair.
Children who have alopecia areata could go completely bald. Some people may experience body hair loss.
By looking at your child's scalp, doctors can identify alopecia areata. They might take a few hairs out to look at them under a microscope.
Alopecia areata has no known cause or therapy, but various methods can promote hair growth:
Corticosteroid cream, lotion, or ointment
Anthralin
minoxidil
With the proper care, the majority of children with alopecia areata will regenerate hair within a year.
Trichotillomania
Children who suffer from trichotillomania tear their hair out obsessively. It is categorized by experts as an instance of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some young people use hair pulling as an outlet. Others aren't even conscious of what they're doing..
This disorder causes patchy regions of lost and damaged hair in children. Some kids ingest the hair they pull, leading to large balls of undigested hair in their stomachs.
Once children stop plucking out the hair, it will regrow. Children who receive cognitive behavioral therapy learn to become more conscious of their hair-pulling. In order to cease the behavior, this therapy enables individuals to comprehend the feelings that set it off.
Telogen Effluvium
As hairs stop growing and rest, a phase known as telogen occurs in the regular hair growth cycle. Then, the old hairs fall out to make room for the new ones to grow. At any given time, only 10 to 15 percent of hair follicles are typically in this phase.
A disproportionately large number of hair follicles enter the telogen phase in children with telogen effluvium. Hence, children shed 300 hairs every day rather than the usual 100. There could be bald patches on the head or there might not be any visible hair loss.
Typically, telogen effluvium follows a severe occurrence, such as:
very high fever
surgery
severe mental distress, such as the loss of a loved one
serious harm
The child's hair should regrow after the incident is over. It may take between six and a year for full regeneration.
Nutritional Deficiency
A healthy body requires a good diet. Lack of protein, vitamins, and minerals can cause hair loss in children. A low-protein vegetarian or vegan diet can cause hair loss, which can also be a symptom of eating disorders including anorexia and bulimia.
Certain vitamin deficiencies may be a factor in hair loss:
Niacin
Biotin
Iron
Zinc
Niacinamide
protein, and amino acids
Hair loss may result from taking too much vitamin A.
Your child's pediatrician can recommend a balanced diet or prescribe supplements to make up for the lack of nutrients.
Hypothyroidism
Your neck contains the thyroid gland. It releases hormones that aid in regulating the metabolism of your body.
The thyroid does not produce enough of the hormones it needs to operate correctly when there is hypothyroidism. Some signs are:
An increase in body weight
Constipation
Fatigue
Dry hair or widespread scalp hair loss
As your child receives thyroid hormone therapy, hair loss should halt. However, the entire amount of hair may not grow back for a few months.
Chemotherapy
Hair will fall out in children receiving chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a potent drug that destroys the body's rapidly dividing cells, including those in the hair roots. Your child's hair should regrow after the treatment is over.
Related: The New Guidelines Recommend Stool and Blood Tests to Monitor for Ulcerative Colitis
Non-Medical hair loss causes
Sometimes, children lose their hair for non-medical causes. Regular causes include:
Infant Hair Thinning
Most newborns lose the hair they were born with over the first six months of their lives. In order to make room for adult hair, neonatal hair falls out. It is entirely normal and unimportant to be concerned about this kind of hair loss.
Hair Loss from Friction
Some newborns experience hair loss at the back of their scalp as a result of frequent head rubbing against the crib mattress, the floor, or another surface. With more mobility and the ability to sit and stand, children outgrow this tendency. After they stop rubbing, their hair ought to regrow.
Chemicals
Harsh chemicals that harm the hair shaft can be found in products used to bleach, color, perm, or straighten hair. Ask your hairstylist for suggestions on nontoxic alternatives made for kids if you can or try to avoid using these products on young children.
Blow-drying
Hair damage and shedding can also result from using too much heat when blow-drying or straightening hair. Make sure the heat is set to low when drying your child's hair. To reduce heat exposure, avoid blow-drying it every day.
Hair ties
The hair follicles are damaged when your child's hair is pulled back tightly into a bun, braid, or ponytail. If your youngster combs or brushes their hair too vigorously, it may also fall out. Keep ponytails and braids loose to avoid hair loss when combing and styling your child's hair.
Treatment of hair loss in children
The treatment of hair loss in children depends on the underlying cause of the hair loss. Here are some possible treatments:
Address underlying medical conditions: If hair loss is due to an underlying medical condition, such as a thyroid disorder or an autoimmune disorder, treating that condition can help stop hair loss.
Medications: Some medications, such as minoxidil, can be used to stimulate hair growth. These medications, however, must only be taken as prescribed by a medical expert.
Nutritional supplements: Nutritional deficiencies, such as iron deficiency, can cause hair loss. Supplementing with the appropriate vitamins and minerals may help stop hair loss.
Hair Care practices: Avoiding tight hairstyles, excessive heat, or chemical treatments can help prevent further damage to the hair.
Wigs or hairpieces: In severe cases, a wig or hairpiece may be recommended to help a child maintain a positive self-image.
It's important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician or dermatologist, before starting any treatment for hair loss in children. They can assist in determining the root problem and provide suitable treatment choices.
Talking to Your Child about Hair Loss
Anybody, regardless of age, can find losing their hair unpleasant. Nonetheless, a youngster may find it to be very upsetting.
Your youngster should be informed of the cause of the hair loss and your plan of action. Inform them that their hair will regrow if the condition is the consequence of a treatable illness.
Find methods to mask the hair loss if it is not reversible. You could attempt a:
New hairdo
Wig
Hat
Scarf
See your child's pediatrician and a hairstylist experienced in working with children who have lost their hair for assistance in controlling hair loss. If you require assistance paying for a wig, get in touch with a charity like Wigs for Kids or Locks of Love.Psychotherapy can also assist young people in coping with hair loss. Ask your pediatrician for a referral to a therapist or counselor who can assist in helping your child process the event.
Important Tips for Children's Hair Care
Proper hair care is important for maintaining healthy hair in children. Here are some important tips for children's hair care:
Regular shampooing: Children's hair should be washed regularly with a mild shampoo to remove dirt, oil, and buildup.
Gentle brushing: Use a soft brush or wide-tooth comb to detangle hair, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots.
Avoid tight hairstyles: Avoid tight braids, ponytails, or other hairstyles that pull on the hair and can cause damage or breakage.
Use heat styling tools sparingly: Excessive heat from blow dryers, straighteners, or curling irons can damage the hair. Always use a heat-protectant spray and only occasionally use these instruments.
Protect from the sun: Use a hat or scarf to protect the hair and scalp from the sun's harmful rays.
Keep hair hydrated: Use a leave-in conditioner or oil to keep the hair hydrated and prevent breakage.
Trim regularly: Regular hair trims can help prevent split ends and breakage, and promote healthy hair growth.
By following these tips, parents can help maintain healthy and beautiful hair for their children.
Conclusion
Hair loss in children can be caused by a variety of factors including genetics, medical conditions, medications, or nutritional deficiencies. Treatment for hair loss in children will depend on the underlying cause, and may include addressing any medical conditions, using medication, nutritional supplements, or changing hair care practices.
To maintain healthy hair in children, it is important to follow some simple hair care tips, such as regular shampooing, gentle brushing, avoiding tight hairstyles, using heat styling tools sparingly, protecting from the sun, keeping hair hydrated, and getting regular hair trims.
Parents should be vigilant in observing any hair loss in their children and consult with a healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician or dermatologist, for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. By taking proper care of their hair, parents can help their children maintain healthy and beautiful hair.
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