Being at creates so many challenges for kids and young people, from finding friends and fitting in to taking and passing exams. Alopecia, or hair loss, can make school life that much tougher. But could the stresses of school contribute to hair loss in children? If so, what can parent and care givers do to help?
Causes of Alopecia in School
Alopecia means any type of hair loss, but the type most associated with school stress is telogen effluvium. Stress hormones interrupt the normal cycle of hair growth, causing more hairs to shed at once. This usually occurs 2-3 months after the initial stress, which can make it difficult to pinpoint a cause. However, school-related telogen effluvium triggers may include:
Bullying
Isolation
Exam stress
Academic pressure
Changing to a new class or teacher
Children may also develop alopecia areata. This is where smooth, bald patches appear on your child’s head. They may, eventually, cover the whole head leaving the child bald. This is called alopecia totalis.
Alopecia areata patches are rarely red or inflamed. If you notice inflammation, speak to your family doctor as this is most likely to be tinea capitis, also known as ringworm of the scalp. It’s a very common fungal infection and easy to treat.
Dealing with Alopecia at School
Having a great teacher or other support staff can help kids a lot. A study on HealthTalk highlights a young woman, now 18, who was diagnosed with alopecia at just 4 years old[i]. Her first-grade teacher was a big help, finding ways to make her feel less self-conscious and ensuring she was included.
Some children simply choose to shave all their hair off while it’s patchy. They may wear hats or headscarves, but many, especially boys and young men, will simply stay bald until their hair coverage improves – if it does.
Helping Your Child Handle Hair Loss
The most important factor is to let your child know they are not alone. 3% of all pediatric visits are due to hair loss[ii], and there may be groups online where you can talk to other families helping their children cope with alopecia and the stress associated with it.
If your child is struggling with alopecia, Genesis II can help. To schedule a free consultation, click here.
Photo Credit: Wokandapix Via Pixabay
[i] https://healthtalk.org/alopecia/being-at-school-or-university-studying-and-alopecia
[ii] https://www.americanhairloss.org/children_hair_loss/introduction.html
