Loss of Hair in Children

According to the American Hair Loss Association, hair loss accounts for 3 percent of pediatric office appointments in the United States.

• There are 4 main types of hair loss in children.

Types

• There are four main types of hair loss in children: ringworm; trauma; a hair follicle abnormality called telogen effluvium; and alopecia areata.

Causes

• Ringworm is caused by a fungus. Trauma can occur when braids are too tight or the child's head repeatedly rubs against a hard surface like a headboard. Telogen effluvium may follow stressors like surgery or very high fevers. Alopecia areata is believed to be an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks its own hair follicles.

Effects

• Ringworm causes round or oval patches of hair loss with irregular borders, while alopecia areata produces smooth, bald patches with regular borders. Telogen effluvium causes partial or complete baldness. Trauma affects hairs in the area that is being damaged.

Duration

• Ringworm is usually resolved after eight weeks of treatment. Children with telogen effluvium usually re-grow hair 6 to 12 months after the stressor is gone. Some children with alopecia areata re-grow hair within a year. Others have repeated episodes.

Treatment

• Ringworm is treated with prescription pills and shampoos. Trauma-related hair loss is reversed when the damaging action stops. There are no approved treatments for telogen effluvium or alopecia areata in children.