At any given time, 90 percent of the hair on a child's head is in the growth phase, while the other 10 percent is in the resting phase, preparing to shed. A variety of conditions, however, can disrupt that normal cycle of loss and regrowth. And, indeed, hair loss accounts for 3 percent of all pediatric visits in the United States, according to the American Hair Loss Association. If your child seems to be losing hair, see your pediatrician for diagnosis and treatment.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is thinning that takes place all over the head. It can be the result of stress, hormonal change, sickness or fever that pushes a large amount of hair into its resting phase. Treating the illness, stress or hormonal change usually reverses the thinning. Hair usually grows back fully six months to a year after the cause has been resolved, according to the American Hair Loss Association.
Tinea Capitis
Tinea capitis, also known, as ringworm, is a fungal infection that causes broken hair and thinning in patchy areas. The Baby Center website says that it is the most common cause of hair loss in children. Tinea capitis can be treated over the course of eight weeks with an oral medication or special shampoo.
Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is a condition in which a child pulls out her hair because of an emotional problem or perhaps just because it's a bad habit. If stress is causing the trichotillomania, you can help figure out what is causing the stress and reduce it as much as possible. Your child may also need to see a therapist.
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia occurs when hair damage causes it to break and fall out. A child's hair is finer and more fragile than adult hair, so frequent brushing and tight ponytails or braids can cause her hair to thin. To treat this, handle her hair gently and use natural styles so that it can return to its normal thickness.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can cause hair loss. Drugs used in chemotherapy kill cells that grow rapidly, such as cancer cells. But hair cells grow rapidly, as well. A child's hair will thin before falling out in patches. Fortunately, hair growth returns to normal after chemotherapy ends.
Member Comments