Hair Loss in Children
Hair loss isn’t just a problem for adults. It can affect some children, either in the form of overall thinning or bald patches. Rarely, it can be due to inherited and genetic conditions, but may also result from skin disorders or general medical conditions and may require investigation. Hair loss in children can be very distressing to both child and parents so it is important to seek early diagnosis and treatment, as well as the help Dr Fenton provides to cope with the psychological impact of hair loss.
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.