Hair loss, or alopecia, is a widespread condition, but did you know it doesn’t just affect adults? In fact, hair loss in children is more common than you might think — around 3% of pediatric visits concern some sort of hair loss, according to the American Hair Loss Association[i].
When a child’s hair is falling out or thinning, it can be distressing for the child and the parents. However, there is usually a straightforward cause that can be managed or treated.
Causes of Juvenile Hair Loss
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections like ringworm are extremely common and spread easily among school-age children as they play together. Ringworm is a fungal growth that’s normally circular or oval-shaped, hence the name. Ringworm of the scalp is called “tinea capitis” and can cause inflammation that leads to hair falling out, leaving bald or thinning patches. Scalp ringworm is most common in kids 2-10 years old[ii].
Rubbing
Small children, babies in particular, often lose hair simply by rubbing their heads on their bedding or a chair. Repeated rubbing or friction wears the hair away and is completely normal. Newborns often lose some hair in the first few weeks of life as their soft, fluffy baby locks are replaced with thicker strands.
Trichotillomania
This is a psychological condition associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It’s a compulsion to pull hair out from anywhere on the body, including eyebrows, lashes, and the scalp.
Stress
Trauma or stress can cause hair loss at any age. Stress hormones interrupt the growth cycle, leading to hair shedding several weeks after some illnesses, injuries, or traumatic events. This is known as “telogen effluvium” and is usually temporary.
Tight Hairstyles
Also, of concern when it comes to juvenile hair loss are overly tight hairstyles, particularly in children with longer hair. Physical stress due to hairbands or clips can tug hair out by the roots, potentially thinning it. Overbrushing can contribute to this, as well.
Symptoms of Hair Loss in Children
Children don’t display hair loss in exactly the same way as adults. There’s no real chance of seeing a receding hairline or a widow’s peak on your school-age child! However, you may notice the following:
Patches of bare scalp or much thinner hair
Unusual amounts of hair in the shower or on the pillow
Excessive hair coming out when brushing or combing
Brittle or easily damaged hair
Treating Hair Loss in Children
Parents can treat most of the causes we’ve highlighted above very easily. Skin conditions like ringworm have anti-fungal remedies, while rubbing and friction-related hair loss simply stops once the child grows out of that phase.
Other causes of hair loss, such as stress or trichotillomania, are harder to deal with. Removing the source of stress is crucial, but that may involve in-depth work with a doctor or child psychologist to ascertain what’s actually causing it. Speaking to a hair loss specialist can help set your mind at rest and restore your child’s confidence — especially once they realize they’re not alone in suffering from hair loss.
If your child is experiencing hair loss, Genesis II can help. To schedule a free consultation, click here.
Photo Credit: djedj Via Pixabay
[i] https://www.americanhairloss.org/children_hair_loss/
[ii] https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=tinea-infections-ringworm-in-children-90-P01931
