Hair Loss In Children: Why My Child?

Children often take hair loss better than adults, up until the age of ten. Less of their identity is tied into their appearance, and so the loss of hair is not as shocking for them. There are several reasons that a child may lose their hair which are not life threatening.

Common Reasons for Childhood Hair Loss

A reason that many children begin losing their hair is Tinea Captis, also known as ringworm of the scalp. This is a fungal infection which affects both the hair follicles and individual strands. If not treated with medicine immediately, it can be contagious.

Another reason for childhood hair loss is Alopecia Areata, which can cause baldspots on the head and other areas of body hair. It is theorized to occur when the immune system begins attacking follicles. With treatment started immediately, some body hair may be saved.

Another cause of childhood hair loss is called Trichotillomania. It is a self-inflicted condition which is considered on the obsessive compulsive spectrum. In it, a child feels the need to obsessively pluck hair from their head.

This condition is usually treated with some kind of behavioral therapy, often including relaxation techniques. Because the hair follicle is not usually damaged, hair should grow back when the plucking of it is ended.

Other conditions which can cause hair to stop growing include individual trauma, and traction alopecia. In this disease, the hair is pulled at or rubbed constantly. The resulting trauma to the hair shaft can cause hair to stop growing. Severe hair styles may also cause this reaction.

A body's response to trauma can also lead to hair loss. After a traumatic event, some people's bodies withdraw nutrients from the hair, causing it to fall out. Hair loss does not need to traumatize a child. A parent with the right attitude can help their child through hair loss with support.