While some degree of hair loss is normal in children, excessive hair loss in a kids should be a cause of concern for parents.
Since it’s hard for caregivers to understand hair loss in children without the knowledge of common hair loss causes, we consulted Lordhair – globally trusted for nonsurgical hair replacement systems – to share the major hairfall causes and treatments in young children .
Let’s start!
Causes & Treatments of Hair Loss in Children
Below are the major causes and treatments of hair loss in children:
Alopecia Areata
It is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles and the same triggers hairfall. It can occur in children and often presents as small, round bald patches.
Treatment: Recovery options for alopecia areata include corticosteroid creams or injections, and minoxidil.
Tinea Capitis
This fungal infection can cause hair loss in children. It typically appears as scaly, itchy patches on the scalp and can lead to hair breakage or loss.
Treatment: If tinea capitis is causing hair loss, antifungal medications will be prescribed.
Trichotillomania
This is a psychological disorder where a child may compulsively pull out their own hair. It’s often associated with stress or anxiety.
Treatment: Getting regular therapy and counselling can help children manage their behaviour and avoid pulling out hair.
Telogen Effluvium
This condition occurs when there’s a disruption in the hair growth cycle. Various factors including illness, fever, surgery, or stress can trigger it.
Treatment: Consult with a healthcare professional to identify and address the specific cause behind telogen effluvium.
Nutritional Deficiencies
A lack of essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, or biotin can lead to hair loss in children. Poor diet can contribute to these deficiencies and trigger hair loss.
Treatment: Correct the diet plan of your child or give them supplements to recover from nutritional deficiencies.
Hormonal Imbalances
This can cause hairfall in teenagers during puberty. Conditions like PCOS or thyroid disorders can also affect hormone levels and lead to hair loss.
Treatment: It is hard to treat hair loss caused by hormonal imbalance. You can change your children’s diet and lifestyle to boost hair health.
Infections and Skin Conditions
Certain skin conditions and scalp infections can lead to hair loss in children. These may include conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Treatment: Topical corticosteroids, coal tar preparations, or other medications prescribed by a dermatologist can help with these hair loss conditions.
Traction Alopecia:
Overly tight hairstyles or constant pulling on the hair can trigger hair loss in children. Tight pony and braids are major causes of traction alopecia.
Treatment: Encourage hairstyles that do not pull hair. Gently massage the scalp to improve blood circulation and promote hair regrowth.
Hair Loss Recovery in Children
If your child is losing hair fast, it is best to consult your dermatologist for the right treatment before trying anything else. That’s majorly because hair loss in kids work differently from hairfall in adults.
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