Hair loss in a child can be devastating both for the child and their family. Understanding the cause is important as it helps manage expectations as well as the realization that some hair loss is not permanent. Here are some of the common causes of hair loss in children.

Ringworm and Bacterial Infection

Ringworm is a contagious skin infection often spread by schoolkids. It is also known as tinea capitis and is characterized by scaly ring like features on the scalp. Ringworm can also affect the hair in eyebrows and eyelashes as well as the scalp. The good news is that this is treatable with anti-fungal medication and is not contagious once treatment is in place.

Cancer Treatments

When people see hair loss in children it is often associated with cancer but this is in fact one of the rarer causes. When a child begins chemotherapy treatment the medication destroys cancer cells but also affects healthy fast-growing cells such as hair. This is not permanent and children will find that hair grows back once the chemotherapy has stopped.

Autoimmune Disorders

Alopecia Areata occurs when the body’s immune system starts attacking healthy cells such as hair follicles. This causes hair to fall out in large clumps suddenly and in round or oval patterns. It is quite rare, affecting 1 in every 1000 children. There is no cure for alopecia areata but the condition is managed by promoting hair growth with medication.

Hair Pulling and Stress 

One of the common causes of hair loss in children is hair pulling and stress. Examples of things that lead to this type of hair loss are continuous pulling caused by braids and tight ponytails. Rubbing or friction on pillows and wheelchairs can lead to this type of hair loss. 

Another reason children pull hair is a medical condition called trichotillomania which leads to kids obsessively pulling their own hair. When a doctor suspects trauma to the hair shaft they look for the cause. This is usually easily treated by removing the cause but in some cases when it has been allowed to continue without treatment, the shaft is permanently damaged.

At New-U, we have helped thousands of men, women and children suffering from hair loss and thinning hair, regardless of the cause of their hair loss. We can determine the cause of your child’s hair loss and offer solutions to hair restoration. To schedule a free consultation contact New-U Hair Replacement Specialists today!