Causes of Hair Loss in Children

According to Hairloss.com, two million children suffer from at least one form of hair loss (alopecia). Of this figure, 60 percent will grow out of the condition and 40 percent will not. There are several causes for hair loss in children, and getting to know which condition is causing it is vital in finding the right treatment.

Tinea Capitis

• Tinea Capitis (ringowrm) is a patchy type of hair loss caused by a fungal infection. This infection also causes broken hairs, kerion (a large red boggy nodule on the scalp), scales and swollen lymph node glands.

Trichotillomania

• This is a condition caused by the hairs being pulled from the scalp, eyelashes or eyebrows. Children who have this condition usually start pulling their hair, out of nervousness or stress, and it is usually habit-forming. Signs of Trichotillomania are: uneven hair length, patchy hair loss and broken hairs.

Traction Alopecia

• Traction Alopecia is hair loss caused by the hair being pulled too tightly. This condition is usually seen in female children with tight ponytails or braids. Traction Alopecia can damage the hair follicles causing the hair to recede from the hairline, or to fall out in other areas.

Alopecia Areata

• This type of hair loss is not contagious like Tinea Capitis, although the hair loss pattern may look similar. Alopecia Areata causes the hair to fall out in patches in one to three areas on the scalp, but it causes no irritation, inflammation or redness.

Telogen Effluvium

• This hair loss condition mostly affects infants. This hair loss is a normal process, caused by the hair falling out to regenerate stronger hair. This condition may also affect older children in times of stress. This is because the stress may cause their hair cycle to become interrupted and go into resting stage.