Children With Hair Loss – Alopecia In Children And Other Medical Causes
Hair loss in adults is a natural part of the aging process. However, many parents become highly concerned if their children begin to experience hair loss as well. Hair loss at a young age can be difficult for a child to deal with, especially compared with hair loss for adults. It tends to be an unexpected occurrence, and can have difficult effects on a child’s self-confidence.
For many children with hair loss, some temporary condition is causing the issue, and it can often be reversed with the proper diagnosis and treatment. The important part is finding out the reasons for hair loss to provide the right solution. For example, a common occurrence is tineacapitis, a fungal infection. This can be treated with antifungal medication and shampoo, after which the hair should return to normal.
Another cause is alopecia areata. While alopecia hair loss in children is rare, it does occur, and there is not a cure for it. Generally, parents will notice patches of hair loss, caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the child’s hair follicles. There are treatments available to permit regrowth, though often hair will fall out again in the future.
Parents should also be mindful of signs of anxiety in their children, which could lead to trichotillomania. Some children subconsciously pull or twist their hair, which can lead to it falling out, particularly on the side of the head for the child’s dominant hand.
Sometimes, hair loss in children is more permanent. This situation can be difficult for both the child and the parent, but there are ways of dealing with childhood hair loss that can help a child overcome any social anxiety or self-consciousness if handled properly.
