Causes of hair loss in children

Ringworm; known medically as tinea capitis, this is a fungal infection that can be often seen in young children. It appears in a number of different forms; either as scaly patches or the hairs are broken off at the surface so it looks like black dots on the scalp. This condition may be diagnosed and treated by your GP.

Telogen effluvium; this condition causes generalised shedding and thinning of hair and is due to the normal hair growth cycle being interrupted. This type of hair loss is usually temporary and, potentially, the hair can grow back once the cause has been treated or the precipitating factor recovered.

Alopecia areata; exactly the same as in adults, this condition can affect any hair-bearing site, but frequently involves the scalp. It often causes patchy loss of scalp hair, but may progress to complete loss of hair on the scalp (alopecia totalis) and may spread to involve all the hair on face, body and limbs (alopecia universalis). Alopecia areata may recovery spontaneously but there are a number of treatments that can encourage regrowth.

Trichotillomania; hair loss is caused by the pulling, twisting or rubbing of the hair that causes it to break off. Although it can often be due to development of a habit, it may indicate psychological problems and Dr Fenton may refer for counselling or psychotherapy to identify and help cope with any underlying anxieties that might be triggering the habit.