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Dealing with Hair Loss in Children

Children can be somewhat calmer when dealing with hair loss compared to most adults. This is probably because children are less vain than adults, especially children below ten years old. There are many potential reasons for hair loss in children that do not include any diseases that are life threatening or need exposure to chemicals and elements for treatment.

Common Causes of Hair Loss in Children

Tinea Capitis is one of the more common reasons for hair loss in children. Doctors say that Tinea Capitis is a fungal infection that stays on the scalp attacking the hair follicles and shafts of the hair strands. This form of hair loss in children is also known as ringworm of the scalp but it can actually occur in the eyelashes and eyebrows as well. Without the use of medication, this infection can be contagious, hence the need for immediate attention.

Alopecia Areata is another cause of hair loss in children that can causes bald patches on the child's head and other areas with body hair. One theory that stands out for the cause of this disease is that the individual's immune system is the one that causes it by attacking the follicles. This disease needs immediate treatment because if taken for granted, the child may lose all body hair.

Trichotillomania is another common cause of hair loss in children. This condition is made worse by the fact that it is the child who does this to himself. This condition that causes hair loss in children is considered to be an obsessive compulsive behavior where the child feels the need to pluck his hair consistently. Treating hair loss in children of this type will require relaxation techniques and most likely behavioral therapy. The hair follicles in his condition are not usually damaged and hair will most likely grow back when the behavioral therapy improves.

Other causes of hair loss in children can be traction alopecia and trauma to the individual. Traction alopecia is a condition where the hair is consistently rubbed or pulled, resulting in stress at the hair shaft. Hair will then cease to grow in the spot frequently disturb or the hair has a tendency to break of cease to grow due to pressure of hairstyles.

Trauma can take many forms and can affect an individual in different ways. Our bodies can react to trauma by withdrawing nutrients for the hair resulting in hair loss in children and in adults as well. Hair loss in children need not be traumatic for them. The right attitude the parent needs to take when faced with their child's hair loss is a supportive and loving attitude.