While we expect hair loss to occur with age, it can be quite disturbing when a child begins to lose her hair for unknown reasons. Significant hair loss is not a common occurrence in children, so parents should notify the child's pediatrician if it occurs unless the cause of the hair loss is known, for instance, if the child is receiving chemotherapy.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that can effect any part of the body, including the scalp. When ringworm is present on the scalp it can cause large, usually circular, bald patches. If you look closely you may be able to see hairs that have broken off very close to the skin. Ringworm is very treatable with the use of anti-fungal medications, which your pediatrician can prescribe after a positive diagnosis.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a condition that can be brought on by several different events such as a high fever or a period of severe stress. These events effect the normal growth cycle of hair follicles and cause the hairs to age and fall out prematurely. Baldness resulting from telogen effluvium presents as thinning of the hair, as opposed to bald patches. While there is no treatment for this condition, as long as the event that brought it on has ended, the lost hair will grow back normally.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is a disease that causes very sudden hair loss. The hair loss occurs in round patches anywhere on the scalp. Unlike ringworm, the hair loss in these patches is complete--the scalp will be smooth to the touch. The cause of alopecia areata is unclear; therefore, there is no cure for this condition. There are some medications that can be taken to encourage hair growth, and in most children, alopecia areata resolves itself over time.
Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is a unique cause of hair loss in that the hair loss is not brought on by a physical disease, but by the child physically pulling out the hairs herself. Trichotillomania can be brought on by feelings of stress or anxiety, but in some cases, there is no recognizable trigger. A child suffering from this condition will have gradually thinning hair, and parents may not notice the hair-pulling behavior until the thinning becomes apparent. Treatments for trichotillomania can include individual and family therapy, or medications to help control anxiety.
Excessive Hair Styling
Occasionally, the reason behind hair loss may be very simple. Excessive blow-drying, straightening, bleaching or curling can all cause hair loss, particularly in children, as they tend to have thinner hair to begin with. Very tight ponytails can also eventually cause some hair loss if they are used regularly. The solution here is simple. Reduce the amount of hair styling either you or your child is doing, and the missing hair should grow back on its own.
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