Handling Hair Loss in Children

Hair loss in children can be traumatic for some, as they cannot understand what is happening. However, in general, children are somewhat calmer in coping with hair loss compared to most adults. This is probably because children are less discerning about appearance than adults, especially the children below the age of ten. There are many possible causes of hair loss in children and many are not due to any diseases that are life threatening or need exposure to chemicals for treatment.

The Common Causes of Hair Loss in Children

There are several reasons for hair loss in children. Tinea Capitis is one of the more common causes for hair loss in children. Tinea Capitis is essentially a fungal infection that forms on the scalp. It causes hair loss by damaging the hair follicles and shafts of the hair strands. This type of hair loss in children is also known as scalp ringworm. Tinea Capitis can also occurs on the eyelashes and eyebrows as well. Without the proper treatment through medication, this infection can turn contagious, hence the immediate medical attention is important.

Alopecia Areata is another common reason for hair loss in children. It can cause bald patches on the head as well as on the other areas with body hair. Alopecia Areata is aggravated by the anomaly in the individual's immune system that affects the follicles. This disease needs immediate medical treatment otherwise; the child may lose all body hair.

Trichotillomania is an obsessive-compulsive behavior where the child feels the need to pluck and pull his or her hair constantly. It is another common cause of hair loss in children. This condition can cause hair loss in children. Treating this form of hair loss in children will require relaxation techniques and most likely behavioral therapy. The hair follicles in this condition are not usually damaged and hair will normally grow back once the behavioral therapy improves the condition. However, in extreme cases, it may cause permanent hair loss. This is associated with another cause of hair loss in children, which is traction alopecia. Traction alopecia is a condition where the hair is constantly rubbed or pulled, resulting in stress to the hair follicle and the hair shaft. Hair will then cease to grow at that spot or the hair shaft will break. This is normally caused by improper styling of the hair and is easily remedied.

Trauma can also cause hair loss in children. It can take many forms and will affect an individual in different ways. Our bodies react to trauma by withdrawing the essential nutrients for the hair resulting in hair loss in children and in adults as well.

Hair loss in children need not be a traumatic experience. With the right attitude, the parent can provide loving support for the child who is suffering from hair loss. This is important for the child in order not to lose his or her self-esteem.

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