Children's Hair Loss

There five types of conditions that cause children's hair loss. They are Androgenic alopecia , Tinea Capitis, Traction Alopecia, Trichotillomania and Telogen Effluvium. When dealing with these types of hair loss it is vital that you seek immediate medical attention to prevent further damage to the child's hair and scalp.

Children's Alopecia Areata

Like the common Alopecia in adults, a child will have large patches of hair come out forming a round bald spot. It is not life threatening and as many as eighty percent of all children will have their hair grow back. It is still not know why the hair falls out from the roots. 

Children's Hair Loss: Tinea Capitis

This type of children's hair loss is caused by a fungus that attacks the hair follicles and hair shafts on the scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes. This fungus is usually passed on from one child to the next by sharing combs, brushes, hats and other things. The fungus causes the hair to break and the child may have a stubble-type look to their scalp where the hairs have broken off.  Contact a doctor immediately.

Children's Hair Loss: Traction Alopecia

This type of children's hair loss is more common in girls. It stems from the rigorous styling that many girls do to their hair, including teasing, curling, fluffing, washing, blow drying, straightening and the various other routines that occur on a daily basis. Treating Traction Alopecia is as easy as terminating all the styling techniques and caring for the hair in a gentler manner.  Read more on hairstyles that will not damage you hair.

Trichotillomania

This is the habit of pulling out your own hair. Children may do this before they fall asleep or while they are reading or studying. It is usually associated with nervousness or frustration. Parents should ask their children if they are nervous or frustrated and that could be the beginning of curing this habit.

Telogen Effluvium

Children's hair loss can also occur after a child has experienced a high fever or a bad case of the flu, or is going through a stressful event. Many of their hairs that are in the growth phase can quickly be altered into the sleep phase. Then, two to four months later, this hair will begin to shed, and usually thin out the hair, not create large bald spots.   

Children's Hair Loss: Treatment

If hair loss is noted in children, contact a doctor to determine if medical treatment or lifestyle changes need to be made.