Although hair loss, medically referred to as alopecia, may often be associated with aging, it is far from unheard of in children. The American Hair Loss Association, or AHLA, says about 3 percent of pediatric doctor visits are due to unexplained hair loss. Certain conditions can prompt hair loss in children. Your doctor should be able to quickly diagnose the cause upon examination. While some types of alopecia clear on their own, others may require treatment such as medicated creams and oral medications.
Ringworm
Ringworm of the scalp, called tinea capitis, is the number one cause of pediatric hair loss, according to AHLA. Tinea capitis is caused by fungus that infects skin on the scalp and tends to assault hair shafts and follicles. Anti-fungal shampoos, creams and oral medications are standard treatment for ringworm of the scalp.
Alopecia Areata
A hair loss condition called alopecia areata often begins in childhood, according to the National Institutes of Health. Alopecia areata in children is characterized by roundish patches of bald spots that may seem to appear overnight. It's believed that alopecia arerta occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. Fortunately hair follicles always retain the ability to regrow hair.
Topical or oral medications as well as steroid injections may be prescribed to treat children with mild to moderate cases of alopecia areata in children. In more severe cases your child’s doctor may recommend applying monxidal, or Rogaine, to the scalp in addition topical steroids.
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia or trauma to the hair shaft is a frequent cause of hair loss in children. Hair trauma may be caused b excessively wearing tight braids or pony tails or from pulling hair back in clips or pins. It may also be due to the chronic plucking or twisting of the hair called trichotillomania that is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder that can be a challenge to successfully treat. Hair will usually return to normal once the pulling ceases as long there hasn't been any permanent root damage.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium can occur in children when significant stress upsets the hair's natural life cycle. High fevers, surgery and overwhelming and prolonged emotional stress such as the death of a close family member may all trigger telegen effliuvium. Once the stressful event has passed, hair growth will usually return to normal within one year.
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