Dealing with Hair Loss in Children   

Hair loss is often devastating to adults, but children can usually deal with the process of losing their hair a bit better than adults do. 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. If you see hair loss in children you should take them to the doctor to be sure it is not anything that needs to be treated or a sign of a serious condition. 

Common Causes of Hair Loss in Children 

Perhaps the most common cause for hair loss in children is Tinea Capitis.  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.  If you see hair loss and irritated skin, it is a good indication that it is time to see the doctor. 

Another common cause of hair loss in children is Alopecia Areata.  This form of hair loss often 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 in a relatively short period of time. 

Hair loss in children is often seen in those are affected by Trichotillomania. 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.  Improving this behavior can take a lot of time, hence leaving the child with bald spots for long periods of time. 

Hair loss in children can also be attributed to 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.  Usually just changing a hairstyle will help relieve the hair loss. 

Hair loss in children is usually caused by trauma, and every person can deal with a different amount of trauma to their body. 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. Luckily, hair loss in children can usually be treated with relative ease and can be made more comforting with caring and supportive parents. 

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