Causes Of Hair Loss In Children

Are you worried about hair loss in children? Hair loss is an issue affecting people of all ages. But as children are resilient, it can be challenging for both: the parents and the child. Some of the causes of hair loss in children are the same as that for adults, while some may vary.

This article sheds light on a number of reasons that can be the cause of hair shedding in a child. Read to find out!

Medical Causes Of Hair Loss In Children

Hair loss can also be a sign of an ongoing medical condition that requires proper medical supervision and treatment. It can be because of a number of reasons:

Scalp Ringworm

This is the most common cause of hair loss in a child. It is a fungal infection that causes red round patches over the scalp. Itching and a strong urge to scratch the scalp are common and children may pull their hair for relief, leading to hair shedding.

Alopecia Areata

This is common in adults and can be hereditary. A child’s immune system attacks the hair follicles, which are responsible for new hair growth, causing hair loss.

It affects not only the scalp but also the eyebrows, lashes and body hair. It is often characterized by bald patches over the scalp that can expand to cover more areas.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

You may notice that children often twirl their hair out of anxiety or stress. This hair pulling is a type of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Here proper treatment is required to address the cause of stress.

Telogen Effluvium

It causes generalized scalp hair shedding with severe hair thinning in children. It can occur due to stressful conditions like dengue, surgery or any accident. It usually improves on its own.

Androgenetic Alopecia

This condition usually affects teenagers, causing a specific pattern of hair loss or visible hair thinning. Appropriate treatment is required as it can get worse over time.

Scalp Injury

Any sort of injury to the scalp that causes damage to the hair follicles can become the cause of hair loss in children.

Nutritional Deficiency

Hair loss in children can result from certain deficiencies or excess of nutrients.

• • • Excess Vitamin A can cause hair loss in children.
    • Deficiency of zinc and vitamin B6 can disrupt the normal cellular functions affecting the hair growth in children.

Endocrine Problem

Suppressed activity of the thyroid gland is among the causes of hair loss in children. Most commonly, these include;

• • • Hypothyroidism
    • Autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)
    • Thyroid hormone deficiency
    • Untreated hypothyroidism

Chemotherapy

Children who receive chemotherapy also suffer from hair loss and complete baldness. But this type of hair shed is temporary and hair starts to grow again as soon as the treatment is over.

Non Medical Causes of Hair Loss in Children

Hair loss can affect the emotions and self esteem of a child. Following are some non medical causes of hair loss in children:

Hair Loss In Newborns

Hair shedding in babies can occur in the initial months after birth. This is normal as permanent hair will grow after this.

Other than this newborns often have a bald spot at the back of their head in the first six months. This is due to the pressure from laying down in the crib or on the mattress. This is something not to worry about because these hairs grow back.

Traction Alopecia

Traction Alopecia occurs when a child’s hair is tied in a way that pulls the hair. These types of hairstyles apply pressure on the scalp leading to hair shedding.

Chemical Exposure

Avoid chemicals, hair dye and heat exposure to children’s hair. These things exert harmful effects. This can damage the hair temporarily and sometimes permanently with recurrent exposures.

Poor Hair Hygiene

Irregular washing and compromised scalp hygiene are among the causes of hair loss in children.