While losing hair at any age can be alarming and emotionally difficult, children experiencing hair loss can be especially treacherous. While some adults may consider some level of hair loss a normal part of the aging process, children may be confused or scared when they notice they are losing hair. Parents can also be alarmed by hair loss in their seemingly healthy babies.
On average, a normal hair loss amount is about 100 strands per day. If you or your child notice more hair loss, including clumps of hair or excessive hair falling, this may be a sign of a medical condition that’s causing hair loss.
After birth, a newborn baby may lose its hair as it is replaced with new, permanent hair. This is commonly seen in newborns and is no cause for concern.
Diseases That Cause Hair Loss in Children
Now let’s go over some diseases and conditions that cause hair loss in children.
Tinea Capitis – You may have more commonly heard this referred to as scalp ringworm. Tinea Capitis is contagious and is marked by hair loss occurring in circular or oval-shaped patches with a ring-like appearance. The good news is that this condition is highly treatable and can be treated with antifungal creams to attack the ringworm. This is not a permanent hair loss condition, as your child’s hair will regrow following proper treatment.
Traction Alopecia – Traction Alopecia occurs from any type of pulling or tension put on the scalp. In babies between three and six months of age, hair loss is commonly related to friction or traction. This is because babies often rub their heads on car seats, mattresses, or cribs. Friction hair loss is not permanent and will grow back when the friction is eliminated or reduced.
Alopecia Areata – Alopecia areata is a hair loss condition that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles. This condition is also seen frequently in adults and can affect eyebrows and eyelashes. Bald spots or very sparse patches are often seen. While there is no known cure, there are several treatments and therapies that can help manage this condition.
Telogen Effluvium – Commonly abbreviated TE, telogen effluvium occurs in children following physical or emotional shock or stressors. Several triggers, such as emotional stress, a fever, a recent surgery, medicine, may trigger a TE episode. This causes an excessive amount of hairs to be pushed into the telogen or resting period of hair growth. This condition may last two to four months but is not considered permanent hair loss.
Hair Pulling or Twirling – Children who play with their hair too often may experience hair loss from excessive pulling or twisting. When hair pulling is linked to anxiety, it is called trichotillomania.
Scalp Injuries – An injury or trauma to the scalp can cause hair loss in children. After the injury heals, hair in that region should regrow and not cause permanent or long-term hair loss.
As you can see, there are many causes of hair loss in children — some may be serious while others are considered “normal.” If your child is suffering hair loss, click here to learn more about how Genesis II can help.
Photo Credit: Alexas_Fotos Via Pixabay
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326951
https://www.naaf.org/alopecia-areata/alopecia-areata-treatments
https://www.rxlist.com/why_is_my_childs_hair_falling_out/article.htm
