Reasons for Thinning Hair at Younger Ages

While juvenile hair loss is a fairly rare condition, it can still be a problem for many children. There are a number of different reasons as to why a child might be facing premature hair loss, including a number of fungal infections, chemical and hair product stress, as well as unconscious removal by the child. Luckily, there are treatments available to help eliminate symptoms.

Trichotillomania (Compulsive Hair Pulling)

• Trichotillomania is a condition in which a child or teenager is affected with an impulse to pull their own hair out. It is similar to nail biting (onychophagia) in that it is a nervous reaction triggered by either stress or exposure to a stressful environment. Oftentimes, this type of condition will occur when the child is watching television or falling asleep. Since the impulse is most likely a result of emotional or psychological stress, addressing these needs can be more effective at improving the symptoms. A procedure called habit reversal training can be used to help patients identify their impulsive behaviors in order to eliminate them.

Traction Alopecia (Hair Stress)

• Traction alopecia is a condition that results from excessive brushing, bleaching, altering or curling of hair. This is more commonly found in girls than boys, as social standards for hair care are somewhat higher for females. Because hair in children is usually more fragile than adults, these hair treatments become all the more damaging. Tight ponytails, pigtails or hair wraps can also cause stress and, consequently, early hair loss.

Tinea Capitis (Hair Fungus)

• Also known as ringworm of the head, this fungus plants itself inside the roots of various facial and head hair, oftentimes causing a circular patchy spot with hair loss and minor scabbing and itching. The fungal infection is usually spread from person to person after sharing infected items such as brushes, towels, hats or pillows. Luckily, tinea capitis is easy to spot and can be treated with medicine received from a physician. Usually, the treated area clears up within two months.

Alopecia Areata (Hair Loss in Adolescents)

• Children who become infected with the skin condition alopecia areata suffer similar symptoms to tinea capitis--itchy, reddened, circular patches on the head with subsequent hair loss. While the cause of the disease is unknown still, 80% of all children will recover within a year. This disease is fairly rare and is not life threatening.

Telogen Effluvium (Hair Loss From Emotional Stress)

• Another way in which children prematurely lose their hair is from the associated stress after an intense flu, emotionally damaging event or another event of psychological strain. With such a condition, hairs that were previously healthy and growing become dormant, which causes them to suddenly fall out. This condition usually clears up within a couple of months when the hair returns to the active growth stage again. Because the hairs are starting over, noticeable repair could take up to a full year.