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If your child is losing a significant amount of hair early on, it’s important to look into the matter and get it treated immediately, be it due to medical or non-medical conditions. Losing a lot of hair amounts to a loss of confidence and self-esteem and you wouldn’t want your child to go through that.
Causes of Hair Fall in Kids and Treatments
Medical conditions are the main reasons for hair loss. Here are the most common reasons for hair loss in kids.
Medical Conditions
Medical conditions are biological conditions or physiological changes which lead to hair growth reduction or hair loss in children. These conditions require medical supervision and prescription medications for effective treatment. Here are a few common ones that occur in children:
Tinea Capitis is denoted by scaly red areas or itchy patches on the scalp. Black dots appear where hair strands break off and swollen lymph nodes accompanied by low-grade fever are common symptoms of this infection.
Causes
Fungi known as dermatophytes cause patchy bald spots or ringworm on the scalp, a condition called Tinea Capitis. It is transmitted from person to person through physical contact and poor hygiene. Using used combs, bedding, and coming into contact with house pets prone to this infection also contribute to the development of this infection.
Diagnosis
A visual examination is done by doctors for diagnosis. A special light known as the ‘Wood’s Lamp’ is used to examine and determine signs of infection on the scalp. Hair or skin samples are taken and sent to the lab for running fungi tests under a microscope.
Treatment
Doctors prescribe Griseofulvin and Terbinafine Hydrochloride for the treatment of Tinea Capitis. These antifungal medications are taken up to six weeks along with high-fat foods to prevent the development of fungal infections.
Alopecia Areata is a condition which causes hair loss in certain regions of the scalp or all areas of the body. Its origins trace back to family history and the disease is found in people with familial medical histories of Type 1 Diabetes or Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Causes
There are no specific known causes for Alopecia in children. It is believed that certain environmental factors trigger this disease in those who are genetically predisposed to it.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is done by assessing the amount of hair fall due to this infection or by collecting hair samples and examining them under a microscope. A scalp biopsy along with blood tests for examining the presence of abnormal antibodies is done as part of diagnostics.
Treatment
Radiation therapies such as photo-chemotherapy are effective modes of treatment for this disease. Steroid injections, corticosteroid creams, and rubbing certain medications for hair growth stimulation such as Minoxidil (Rogaine) are used for the treatment of this infection.
- Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is a mental disorder which involves compulsively pulling out hair strands due to stress or anxiety.
Causes
Psychological symptoms are the underlying cause of Trichotillomania and some experts believe that this is linked to OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) syndrome.
Diagnosis
Recurrent hair pulling is the common diagnosis of Trichotillomania. Since this is more of a behaviour-based disease over a fungal infection, doctors diagnose it through consistent hair-pulling habit detection.
Treatment
Seeking emotional and mental help through support groups and behavioural therapies form the core of Trichotillomania treatment in children. Doctors may prescribe anti-depressant medications and mood enhancers such as Anafranil, Zyprexa, and N-acetylcysteine to ease symptoms and assist with treatment.
- Telogen Effluvium
Telogen Effluvium is a type of non-scarring Alopecia infection which leads to diffuse hair loss in children. The infection persists for longer duration in those who have a background or a history of the infection.
Causes
Telogen occurs when normal hair follicle cycles get interrupted in children due to genetic high fever or extreme stress. The hair follicles enter a resting phase known as the ‘Telogen’ which is further accompanied by excessive shedding or severe hair fall.
Diagnosis
There are currently no specific diagnostic tests for determining Telogen Effluvium. The experience of the physician followed by a visual examination is usually done for assessing the presence of this disease in children.
Treatment
No specific treatments are available for this infection. Once the stressful period is over, hair follicle growth returns within a period of six months to a full year
- Nutritional Deficiency
Nutritional deficiencies arise when the body does not get enough nutrients for its proper growth and development. Nutritional deficiencies lead to an array of health problems in children including hair loss.
Causes
Hair loss in children vitamin deficiency is linked to a lack of Vitamin H and Zinc in diets. Zinc fuels hair follicle growth and regulates hair development in childhood. Biotin converts carbohydrates to glucose for fueling the body and a poor diet void in biotin is one of the main reasons for hair loss in kids.
Diagnosis
Blood tests and consultations with a certified clinical nutritionist are the main modes of diagnosis for Nutritional Deficiencies in children. Changes in appearance, fatigue, and lack of proper body development are linked to diagnosis symptoms.
Treatment
A healthy diet rich in vitamins, essential amino acids, and minerals serves as an effective treatment. Speak to a doctor before deciding to give your child nutritional supplements.
- Endocrine Problems
The Endocrine is a collection of glands in the human body that secrete hormones to be carried out to various target organs. Endocrine problems or disorders typically lead to hair loss increase in children.
Causes
Endocrine problems such as Hypothyroidism where is the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce enough thyroid hormones result in hair loss. Lack of a regulated metabolism as a result of endocrine symptoms is linked to hair loss in children.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is done by running scans of the thyroid gland along with performing blood tests to assess the extent of this condition.
Treatment
Hormone replacement medications are given for treatment purposes of endocrine-related problems. Medications prescribed depend on your child’s age, tolerance, and overall health. Consult with a certified paediatrician for learning about treatment options and expectations.