Hair Loss In Children

Hair Loss in children is not very common at all. But it when you hear the number of children hair loss affects you may think differently. Hair loss in children affects 2 million children in the United States alone. It doesn’t sound too uncommon but with a number of 2 million children it sounds too common. But the good news is that 60 percent of children who have the common hair loss form of Alopecia will outgrow the condition and never need treatment for it. To grow the hair back will take time but it will grow back. Unfortunately the other 40 percent of children it will not grow back.

The different types of hair loss in children are Tinea Capitis, this condition is caused by a fungal infection of the scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes but can also affect the hair shafts and follicles. It is also nicknamed ring worm of the scalp. There may be a mild itching and scaling of the scalp. This infection occurs when a child shares a comb, brushes, hats, barrettes, pillows and even bath towels. Even a small bruise on the scalp can allow a fungal infection to get in.

If you do not get treatment right away then your child’s hair loss can be very large and some children may get what is called a Kerion which is a soft scalp and some tenderness.

Another type of hair loss in children is Alopecia Areata which is a patchy type of hair loss. You may notice it when one to two bald patches are on the head, these patches are circular and can be up to 2 inches in diameter. Your child may also have this if there is no body hair on the child at all. This condition is not life threatening, it is really not known why this happens in children, it is not a contagious or caused by the foods you give your child.

Over 80 percent of children will get their hair back over a 12 month period of time. Don’t panic if the new hair is white it is only temporary before going back to the original color.

Traction Alopecia is the same as in adults, it happens when braids, ponytails or buns are worn too tight. By pulling on the hair from the scalp it cause the hair to break, it does grow back but try to keep the ponytails and pigtails loose so it isn’t pinching your child’s hair. Too much fluffing, teasing, curling, blow drying, combing and dying can also cause traction alopecia. This condition is a bit more serious because over the course of time it may cause hair thinning and less dense hair.

Children’s Trichotillomania is a compulsion to pull your own hair out. The result may be patches of baldness, it usually occurs when a child is sleeping or studying or watching TV. It is not an intentional thing, they don’t even realize they are doing it. Pay attention to your kids if you see them doing it, make them aware of it.

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