What can cause hair loss in a child?

With age hair loss is a very common problem but if you start noticing the problem in a child then you might get worried. Well, there are different reasons which can trigger the issue of hair loss in a child. We are going to share the main causes that a child suffers from hair loss.

Causes of hair loss in a child

Tinea capitis

This problem occurs when the child starts using personal stuff like hats and combs. This is also called ringworm of the scalp which triggers due to fungus.

In this case, the kid starts developing patches of hair loss with black dots as the hair gets a break. The skin can get red, bumpy, and scaly.

The problem can be treated with the antifungal drug taken by mouth for 8 weeks. The use of antifungal shampoo will also help in preventing the problem from spreading.

Alopecia areata

• This type of hair loss is linked with the autoimmune system. By mistake, the immune system attacks the hair follicles.
• Make sure that you talk with the doctor as they will give you the right treatment plan. In case you are facing hair loss at a young age or later in life then the best choice is to undergo a hair transplant. This is true that hair transplant surgery helps in giving permanent and natural-looking hair.

Trichotillomania

• In this case, the child pulls theirs aggressively. Experts suggest that this type is linked with obsessive-compulsive problems. At times kids do not even know they are pulling their hair.
• The problem can result in broken hair and patchy hair all over the scalp. In some cases, the child also eats their hair which can trigger other health conditions also.
• The hair will grow back when they do not pull the hair. You need to consult the doctor as they will give you an effective treatment plan.

Telogen effluvium

• This is another reason for hair loss in which hair growth cycle stops and they get into a resting phase for a long time. It means instead of losing just 100 hair they will lose more than that. It is noticeable and it can trigger bald patches all over the scalp.

The condition can be triggered due to:

– high fever

– severe injury

– emotional trauma like the death of a loved one

– surgery

Chemotherapy

Kids who have undergone the treatment of chemotherapy will also face a hair loss problem. In this treatment, medications are very strong which kills the cancer cells along with hair root cells. Although once the treatment is complete the hair will start growing back.

Apart from these, there are reasons like poor diet, use of styling tools in excess, or tying the hair tightly. Make sure you seek medical help at the right time to prevent the issue.