Children and Hair Loss Overview

Children and hair loss is more common than most would think, but luckily, the majority of cases of children‚ and hair loss can be accounted for by one of four common conditions. These conditions are generally environmental in nature, and can be treated and cured so that the loss of hair is not permanent.

Causes of Children and Hair Loss

The causes of children hair loss range from the presence of ringwork on the scalp, an overly-active immune system that attackes the scalp, traction, common mistakes like wearing hair too tight in braids and an abnormal hair follicle life cycle that creates gaps in the normal course of hair loss and growth.

Types of Children‚ Hair Loss

The types of children hair loss that are described above are all relatively well known within the medical community. Chronologically, these types of children hair loss include tinea capitis, which is ringworm of the scalp, alopecia areata, which involves the immune system, trauma associated with tightly-bound hair and telogen effluvium, which is the medical term for the “gap” between the life cycles of different hair follicles.

Tests, Diagnosis and Treatment of Childrens Hair Loss

Tests/diagnosis/treatment issues are answered separately, depending on the condition. Each of these conditions is detailed below, and information regarding the tests/diagnosis/treatment follows:

• Tinea Capitis - The tests performed for this condition are mostly visual, in that hairless patches will be visible on the scalp. A Wood Lamp test may be used to complete the diagnosis, and anti-fungal medication and shampoos are usually used to eliminate the condition.
• Alopecia Areata - Again, the tests used to discover this condition are visual in nature, as a child suffering from this malady will have smooth bald patches on the scalp. There are no definitive tests to affirmatively diagnose this condition, but rather a process of elimination is used. The diagnosis is less positive than the other common conditions, in that there is no set medication used to eliminate the disease, but a combination of protocols will help to manage the condition.
• Trauma - Trauma is often caused by traction, which is a condition where the hair is simply pulled too tightly for too long a period of time, resulting in bald patches and inflammation. The basic strategy used to eliminate this condition is to simply give the patient time without pulling the hair tightly to allow it to grow back normally.
• Telogen Effluvium - This condition is usually tested by the experience of the doctor, as there is no definitive test used to diagnose this condition. However, when it is discovered, telogen effluvium is usually deemed to be a result of an underlying condition, such as a traumatic event, high fever or other illness. Generally speaking, when this condition is eliminated, the normal growth pattern of hair follicles resumes.

Overall, children hair loss is a problem that does not get the attention it should, as it's quite common. If your child is suffering from hair loss, you need to contact an experienced medical professional immediately for a full consultation.