Although hair loss is often associated with a condition that affects older men, it can actually affect children as well. Hair loss in children may be caused by hormonal fluctuations or a medical condition. If you start to notice that your child is losing large amounts of hair on a daily basis, consult his pediatrician.
Expert Insight
The American Hair Loss Association names tinea capitis or ringworm of the scalp as the most common cause of hair loss in children. The fungal infection damages the hair follicles and leads to strands falling out. Round and oval patches of missing hair may be seen on a tinea capitis patient. The hair may have broken at the surface of the scalp and look like black dots on the scalp. Antifungal medications are typically given to treat this medical condition.
Features
Infants may be born with large amounts of hair, but it is common for them to experience hair loss within the first few months of life, according to Dr. Mark Levin featured on the Princeton Online website. Cradle cap, which causes dry patches of skin on the scalp, may cause sections of hair to fall out. The hair loss is rarely permanent and normal hair growth resumes.
Time Frame
When hair is in the telogen phase, hair growth may lag. According to Dr. Mark Levin, the hair may become loose and cause more than 200 hairs per day to fall out. This heightened amount of hair loss is common in adolescent girls.
Considerations
Alopecia areata is a condition that occurs when sudden patches of hair fall out for apparently no reason. Although there is no definitive cause, this condition is thought to occur due to an immune system response and no treatment is currently available. Approximately one in 1000 children suffer from alopecia areata the American Hair Loss Association reports.
Warning
Trauma can also cause a child to experience hair loss. Excessive pulling at the hair or putting the hair in restrictive styles, such as cornrows and ponytails may damage the hair shaft and cause hair to fall out.
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