Although balding is typically associated with older men, it is possible for children to experience excessive hair loss. Some medical conditions can cause hair loss in children, and you should consult a pediatrician to discuss treatment options. To diagnose the cause of the child's hair loss, the pediatrician may examine the scalp or shine ultraviolet light on it to check for signs of infection.
Causes
The most common cause of hair loss in children, according to the American Hair Loss Association, is tinea capitis. This condition is also referred to as ringworm of the scalp. A fungal infection attacks the hair follicles and hair loss occurs. The child may lose hair on the scalp, eyebrows or eyelashes when suffering from tinea capitis. An immune system response is expected to bring on alopecia areata, another type of hair loss experienced by children. Round or oval patches appear on the scalp with an excessive amount of hair missing. The hair loss for this condition can occur as quickly as overnight.
Considerations
Besides medical conditions, trauma to the hair follicles may also cause an excessive amount of hair loss in children. If the trauma damages the hair follicles, large patches of hair can fall out. Examples of trauma that can lead to this problem include chemical burns and restrictive hair styles. According to the Dr. Greene website, if the normal hair growth cycle is interrupted by a medical problem--such as a high fever, high amounts of vitamin A, chemotherapy drugs or injury--hair loss in children may occur.
Treatment
For ringworm of the scalp, doctors typically recommend an antifungal shampoo to cure the infection. Once the infection is gone, the follicles may heal and normal hair growth resume. A dermatologist needs to be consulted if your child is diagnosed with alopecia areata. Immunotherapy topical drugs and steroid injections may be recommended therapies to treat the condition. Since it is an immune system response causing the problem, the child may experience a recurrence later in life.
Time Frame
In the case of trauma to the hair follicles or interruption of the growth cycle, there are no current treatment methods. Once the trauma is over, the normal hair growth cycle resumes. Full hair growth may take anywhere from six months to a year.
Warning
Your child may require psychological treatment if he suffers from a condition known as trichotillomania. This refers to the childhood habit of twirling or plucking out the hair excessively. Once treatment is sought and the habit broken, regrowth of the hair occurs.
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