Although hair loss is more common in older adults, children experience hair loss more often than you might assume. The American Hair Loss Association recognizes that child hair loss can be a traumatic event for affected children and their parents, but it also mentions that the majority of cases are quickly diagnosed and easily treated.
Prevalence
Child hair loss accounts for approximately 3 percent of pediatric office visits in the United States, according to the AHLA. Since numerous conditions--benign and dangerous--can cause hair loss, the AHLA recommends that parents seek advice from a pediatrician as soon as they notice any hair loss in their child.
Common Causes
Tinea capitis, or ringworm of the scalp, is the most common cause of child hair loss. It is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the scalp, eyelashes and eyebrows, primarily attacking hair follicles and shafts. It usually appears as round or oval patches of lost hair with dark dots (broken-off hairs) and gray scales or flakes within them. Alopecia areata, or localized baldness thought to be caused by an immune system attack of the follicles, is another common reason for child hair loss. It can come on suddenly and appear as smooth, round or oval patches of missing hair.
Halted Hair Growth
Telogen effluvium, which is another common cause of child hair loss, is a temporary interruption of hair's normal lifecycle that causes some hair to linger in its dormant phase. Telogen effluvium is typically caused by body stress. Stressful events can include high fevers, the taking of certain medications, extreme dietary changes, surgery, emotional stress and severe injuries.
Trauma
Hair shaft trauma can also cause child hair loss. Trauma may be caused by excess traction (by tight braids or pony tails, for example) or constant friction (e.g. by constantly rubbing against the back of a wheelchair). Hair shaft trauma may also be self-inflicted. Trichotillomania is an obsessive-compulsive type of disorder that compels a person to pluck or twist hair, often until large patches of hair loss are noticeable.
Treatments
An appropriate treatment for child hair loss will depend on its underlying cause. For example, tinea capitis may be treated with an oral antifungal or a simple topical cream. If the cause is trauma-related, ceasing to wear the tight braids or treating the trichotillomania will also stop the hair loss. Some hair loss, such as alopecia areata, has no specific cure yet, but it may be helped indirectly by an off-label treatment.
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