You might not be surprised that your hair begins to fall out as you age. However, witnessing your small child’s hair fall may be shocking. Hair loss in children is not prevalent, but the causes may differ from adult-onset baldness. Hair loss in kids is often caused by an infection or other issues with the scalp. Since hair loss may have a significant psychological impact on children, it is critical to see your hair loss specialist Lakewood Ranch for treatment. Here are five prevalent causes of hair loss in children:
1. Scalp ringworm
Ringworm is a common, infectious fungal disorder of the skin that causes a red, ring-shaped rash. When ringworms impact the scalp, it is known as tinea capitis. The scalp may develop red, patchy, or itchy spots, and parents may detect their kid scratching or rubbing their scalp.
Scratching the infection and damage to the scalp from the illness might gradually cause hair to fall out. Some youngsters may also pluck their hair in an attempt to reduce the itching. The hair loss occurs in just one or two areas — usually over areas of itchy and irritated skin.
2. Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is a condition in which children compulsively pluck off their hair. Some youngsters pull their hair as a release, and others are unaware they are doing it. This disorder causes patchy regions of missing and damaged hair in children. Some kids ingest the hair they pull, resulting in large balls of undigested hair in their tummy.
The hair will regrow once kids stop pulling it out. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches children to become more conscious of their hair pulling. This treatment assists them in understanding the emotions that cause the behavior so that they can stop it.
3. Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is a hair loss in which the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles. It can occasionally result in complete baldness or extremely thin hair. Also, some kids may lose their eyelashes and eyebrows. The remaining bald spots are often smooth and skin-colored.
Many youngsters with alopecia areata have flares, or periods when their hair falls out, followed by periods of regrowth. This disorder has several subtypes and the pattern of hair loss differs from one person to another.
4. Hair pulling or twirling
Kids who twirl their hair risk damaging the hair follicles and causing hair loss. Some youngsters pull their hair due to anxiety, and doctors call this trichotillomania. When an individual stops pulling or twirling their hair, it should regrow.
Hair pulling is a kind of anxiety or obsessive-compulsive condition, so it is crucial to address the underlying cause. Your kid may benefit from therapy, emotional and social support, or medication.
5. Scalp injury
A scalp injury, like a burn or severe blow to the head, might damage the hair follicles. This may cause considerable hair loss at the location of the injury. When the injury heals, the hair should regenerate. Prompt therapy is vital since unmanaged scalp injuries can harm underlying tissues and potentially cause permanent hair loss.
If you are concerned about your child’s hair loss, talk to their doctor. The sooner the cause of the hair loss is identified and treated, the more likely the therapy will be successful. Call Honest Hair Restoration or book your consultation online to determine your child’s ideal hair loss treatments.