Hair Loss in Children

Hair loss in children can be alarming for parents and a source of embarrassment and social anxiety for children. As difficult as the embarrassment may be for children, it is not the greatest problem that could be associated with hair loss in children. Hair loss can be among the symptoms of real health problems, and significant hair loss in children should always be checked out thoroughly by the health care provider.

Sometimes hair loss in children is caused by an infection or fungus that affects the scalp or hair follicles. One of the most common of these is Tinea Capitis, and this is infectious, meaning it can be passed from child to child. This particular fungal infection should be treated right away, because, in addition to being easily passed, it can cause lasting scalp problems. Teaching your child never to use the hair implements of others - brushes, combs, pony tail holders, barrettes, etc. - or things, such as hats, that come into contact with the hair of others is an important means of avoiding these types of infections.

Hair loss in children can also be caused by harsh treatment of their delicate hair, including blow drying, tight braids or pony tails, constant use of barrettes and other types of hair holders that, when used day after day in the same place and position can cause breakage or other damage. It can also be caused by severe emotional stress and strain, and also by a disorder in which the child engages in hair pulling, literally pulling out their own hair. Sometimes hair loss in children is inexplicable and resolves itself once the fallen hair grows back.

Because there are so many potential causes of hair loss in children, with some being serious health problems, hair loss in children should always be checked out by a medical professional. Often the hair may grow back on its own, but in other cases, a doctor may determine that hair loss treatment is the best route to take back to a healthy head of hair.