What causes hair loss in children? How can it be treated? Discover the common reasons behind pediatric hair loss and effective solutions to restore healthy hair growth.

Understanding Pediatric Hair Loss: Causes and Contributing Factors

Hair loss in children, also known as pediatric alopecia, can be a concerning and distressing experience for both parents and their young ones. It is important to understand that hair loss in children is not uncommon and can arise from a variety of causes, including scalp infections, autoimmune disorders, behavioral issues, and nutritional deficiencies.

Tinea Capitis: Fungal Scalp Infection

One of the most common causes of hair loss in children is a fungal scalp infection called tinea capitis, also known as “ringworm of the scalp.” This condition is spread through the sharing of personal items, such as combs, hats, and towels. Children with tinea capitis may develop patchy hair loss, red and scaly skin, and even fever and swollen lymph nodes. Diagnosis is typically made through a physical examination and, in some cases, a skin sample analysis. Antifungal medications, both oral and topical, are the standard treatment for tinea capitis.

Alopecia Areata: An Autoimmune Condition

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. This condition can manifest in various forms, including localized bald patches (alopecia areata), complete scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis), or even the loss of all body hair (alopecia universalis). While there is no cure for alopecia areata, treatments such as corticosteroids, minoxidil, and anthralin can help stimulate hair regrowth in many cases.

Trichotillomania: A Compulsive Hair-Pulling Disorder

Trichotillomania is a psychological condition in which children compulsively pull out their own hair, often without even realizing it. This behavior can result in patchy hair loss and the accumulation of undigested hair in the stomach. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment, helping children become more aware of their hair-pulling urges and develop coping mechanisms to address the underlying emotional triggers.

Telogen Effluvium: Excessive Hair Shedding

Telogen effluvium is a temporary condition in which more hair follicles than normal enter the resting (telogen) phase of the hair growth cycle, leading to excessive shedding. This can occur after a significant physical or emotional event, such as a high fever, surgery, or the death of a loved one. Once the triggering event has passed, the child’s hair should regrow within six months to a year.

Nutritional Deficiencies: The Impact on Hair Health

Proper nutrition is essential for healthy hair growth. When children do not receive adequate amounts of essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins, it can contribute to hair loss. Deficiencies in nutrients like iron, zinc, niacin, biotin, and amino acids can all lead to thinning or shedding of the hair. A balanced diet or targeted supplementation can help address these nutritional imbalances and promote hair regrowth.

Hypothyroidism: The Thyroid’s Role in Hair Loss

Hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, can also result in hair loss in children. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, constipation, fatigue, and dry or thinning hair. Treating the underlying thyroid issue with medication can help stop the hair loss and restore healthy hair growth.

It is important to note that while many of these conditions are not life-threatening, the emotional impact of hair loss can be significant for children. Seeking prompt medical attention and appropriate treatment is crucial to address the underlying cause and support the child’s well-being. By understanding the various causes of pediatric hair loss and the available treatment options, parents and caregivers can work closely with healthcare professionals to help their children regain their confidence and self-esteem.

Remember, every child’s experience with hair loss is unique, and the best approach may vary depending on the specific cause and individual circumstances. Stay informed, be patient, and work closely with your child’s healthcare team to navigate the journey of restoring healthy hair growth.

Hair Loss in Children: Causes and Treatments

How common is hair loss in children?

You might not be surprised, as you get older, to notice that your hair is starting to fall out. Yet seeing your young child’s hair fall out could come as a real shock.

Hair loss isn’t uncommon in kids, but its causes may be different from those of adult-onset baldness. Often, children lose hair because of a scalp disorder.

Many of the causes aren’t life-threatening or dangerous. Still, losing hair can take a toll on a child’s emotional well-being. It’s hard enough to go bald when you’re an adult.

Because hair loss may have a profound psychological effect on kids, it’s important to see a doctor for treatment.

Often, hair loss in children is caused by an infection or other problem with the scalp. Here are some of the most common causes.

Tinea capitis

This scalp infection spreads when kids share personal items such as combs and hats. It’s also known as ringworm of the scalp, although it’s caused by a fungus.

Kids with tinea capitis develop patches of hair loss with black dots where the hair’s broken off. Their skin may turn red, scaly, and bumpy. Fever and swollen glands are other possible symptoms.

A dermatologist can diagnose tinea capitis by examining your child’s scalp. Sometimes the doctor will scrape off a tiny piece of the infected skin and send it to a lab to confirm the diagnosis.

Tinea capitis is treated with an antifungal drug taken by mouth for about eight weeks. Using an antifungal shampoo along with oral medication will prevent your child from spreading the virus to other kids.

Alopecia areata

Alopecia is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. Your immune system attacks the follicles from which hair grows. About 1 out of every 1,000 children has the localized version called alopecia areata.

Alopecia comes in different forms, depending on the pattern of hair loss:

• alopecia areata: bald patches form on the child’s scalp
• alopecia totalis: all the hair on the scalp falls out
• alopecia universalis: all the hair on the body falls out

children with alopecia areata may become totally bald. Some lose the hair on their body, too.

Doctors diagnose alopecia areata by examining your child’s scalp. They may remove a few hairs to examine under a microscope.

There’s no cure for alopecia areata, but some treatments can help regrow hair:

• corticosteroid cream, lotion, or ointment
• minoxidil
• anthralin

With the right treatment, most kids with alopecia areata will regrow hair within one year.

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a disorder in which kids compulsively pull out their hair. Experts categorize it as a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some kids pull their hair as a kind of release. Others don’t realize they’re doing it.

Kids with this condition will have patchy areas of missing and broken hair. Some children eat the hair they pull and can develop big balls of undigested hair in their belly.

The hair will grow back once children stop pulling it out. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches kids to become more aware of the hair pulling. This therapy helps them understand the emotions that trigger the behavior so they can stop it.

Telogen effluvium

Telogen is the part of the normal hair growth cycle when hairs stop growing and rest. Then, old hairs fall out to allow new ones to grow in. Normally, only 10 to 15 percent of hair follicles are in this phase at any one time.

In kids with telogen effluvium, many more hair follicles go into the telogen phase than normal. So instead of losing 100 hairs a day like usual, kids lose 300 hairs a day. The hair loss may not be noticeable or there may be bald patches on the scalp.

Telogen effluvium usually happens after an extreme event, such as:

• very high fever
• surgery
• intense emotional trauma, such as the death of a loved one
• severe injury

Once the event has passed, the child’s hair should grow back. Full regrowth can take six months to a year.

Nutritional deficiency

Good nutrition is essential for a healthy body. When kids don’t get enough vitamins, minerals, and protein, their hair can fall out. Hair loss can be a sign of eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, as well as a side effect of a low-protein vegetarian or vegan diet.

A lack of these nutrients can contribute to hair loss:

• iron
• zinc
• niacin
• biotin
• protein and amino acids

Too much vitamin A can also lead to hair loss.

Your child’s pediatrician can suggest a healthy eating plan or prescribe a supplement to make up for the nutritional shortfall.

Hypothyroidism

The thyroid is a gland in your neck. It releases hormones that help control your body’s metabolism.

In hypothyroidism, the thyroid doesn’t make enough of the hormones it needs to function properly. Symptoms include:

• weight gain
• constipation
• tiredness
• dry hair or hair loss all over the scalp

Hair loss should stop when your child is treated with thyroid hormone medication. But it can take a few months for all of the hair to regrow.

Chemotherapy

Children who receive chemotherapy treatment will lose their hair. Chemotherapy is a strong medication that kills quickly dividing cells in the body — including cells in the hair roots. Once the treatment’s finished, your child’s hair should grow back.

Sometimes, children lose their hair for reasons that aren’t medical. Common causes include:

Newborn hair loss

During their first six months of life, most babies will lose the hair they were born with. The newborn hair falls out to make way for mature hair. This type of hair loss is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.

Friction hair loss

Some babies lose hair in the back of their scalp because they rub their head repeatedly against the crib mattress, floor, or something else. Children outgrow this behavior as they become more mobile and start sitting and standing. Once they stop rubbing, their hair should grow back.

Chemicals

Products used to bleach, dye, perm, or straighten the hair can contain harsh chemicals that damage the hair shaft. Try to avoid using these products for young children or ask your hairstylist for recommendations on nontoxic versions made for kids.

Blow-drying

Excess heat from blow-drying or straightening can also damage hair and cause it to fall out. When drying your child’s hair, use a low heat setting. Don’t blow it dry every day to minimize heat exposure.

Hair ties

Pulling your child’s hair back into a tight ponytail, braid, or bun causes trauma to the hair follicles. Hair can also fall out if your child brushes or combs it too hard. Be gentle when combing and styling your child’s hair and keep ponytails and braids loose to prevent hair loss.

Losing hair can be upsetting for anyone, at any age. But it can be especially traumatic for a child.

Explain to your child why the hair loss happened and how you plan to fix the problem. If it’s the result of a treatable disease, explain that their hair will grow back.

If it’s not reversible, find ways to conceal the hair loss. You might try a:

• new hairstyle
• wig
• hat
• scarf

Get help managing hair loss from your child’s pediatrician, as well from as a hairstylist trained to work with kids who’ve lost their hair. If you need help paying for a wig, contact an organization such as Locks of Love or Wigs for Kids for help.

Counseling can also help kids cope with hair loss. Ask your pediatrician to recommend a counselor or therapist who can help talk your child through the experience.

Often, hair loss isn’t serious or life-threatening. The greatest impact is sometimes on your child’s self-esteem and emotions.

Treatments for hair loss in children are available but it can take some trial and error to find the right one. Work with your child’s medical team to come up with a solution that helps your child look — and feel — better.

Hair Loss After Surgery: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Post-surgery hair loss is most commonly caused by telogen effluvium (TE), a condition that’s triggered by a disruption of your normal hair follicle cycling.

Normally, you lose between 50 to 100 hairs per day. However, sometimes certain health events, such as surgeries or underlying medical conditions, can cause hair follicles to not produce hairs as they should.

The good news is, while hair loss after surgery is possible, it’s usually temporary. If you’re concerned about hair loss after your operation, talk with your doctor about the possible risk factors and treatment options.

In a typical hair cycle, your follicles go through a growth process that lasts for a few years at a time. Hair follicles don’t continuously produce new hairs — they cycle through resting phases known as telogens.

According to the American Hair Loss Association, it’s estimated that 10 to 20 percent of your hair follicles are in a telogen state at any given time.

If the proportion of telogen hairs is greater than 20 percent, it’s an indication of telogen effluvium, one of the most common forms of hair loss.

Surgery can sometimes put your hair follicles in a longer resting state than normal. Rather than large bald spots associated with alopecia areata, you’re more likely to see progressively thinner hair as a result of TE.

Surgery may cause TE-related hair loss in the following ways:

Stress

Surgery is considered an invasive process, which can put your body — and your mind — under a lot of stress.

According to the American Skin Association, hair loss after a major stressful event of this nature is most likely to occur within 3 to 6 months.

Your body needs certain nutrients for hair growth, such as:

• biotin
• iron
• zinc
• protein

A stressful event, like surgery, may cause your body to divert these nutrients away from your vital organs. This can lead to hair thinning and TE.

Positional alopecia

According to a 2012 research review, while not common, this type of hair loss occurs from your head being in one position for several hours at a time. This can cut blood flow to your hair follicles.

Positional alopecia isn’t as common in short procedures because your head isn’t in one spot for too long.

The same research review above showed that this type of hair loss has been reported most commonly in cardiac surgeries.

Positional alopecia is also possible after extensive reconstructive surgeries, due to the length of time spent laying in one position.

Anesthesia

According to Larry S. Nichter, MD, FACS, a board certified plastic surgeon with Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, California, while still debatable, some doctors suspect there may be a link between anesthesia and hair loss, particularly with surgeries lasting several hours.

It’s thought that lengthy anesthetic periods could possibly lead to TE-related hair loss by causing reduced cell division. Slower cellular division may in turn inhibit hair follicle production. But this has not been proven in clinical studies.

The type of anesthesia used may also contribute to hair loss. A 2012 research review found that hypotensive anesthesia, which is primarily used in maxillofacial surgeries, may increase the risk of positional alopecia.

A 2015 research review showed that while not tolerated by all patients, hypotensive anesthesia is still used to help decrease blood loss during certain operations, such as dental surgery.

Medication side effects

Certain medications taken post-surgery may lead to hair loss, especially if you’re allergic to them. The American Skin Association advises that you may also talk with your doctor if you take any of the following drugs linked to TE:

• anti-seizure medications
• anti-thyroid medications
• beta-blockers

Type of surgery

It’s also important to consider the site of your surgery. While all surgeries have the potential to cause TE and hair loss, you may be at an increased risk of hair follicles shutting down if your incisions are made on your scalp.

According to a 2012 research review, head and neck surgeries, as well as the use of hypotensive anesthesia, have also been linked to increased risk of positional alopecia that may lead to hair loss.

While hair loss after surgery isn’t entirely preventable, you may be able to help minimize the effects of TE. This includes:

• eating a nutritious diet full of plant-based foods
• regular exercise
• better sleep
• stress management

Make sure you don’t have any nutritional deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies may play a role in hair loss — with or without surgery.

According to a 2018 research review, the following micronutrients have been identified by researchers as possibly supporting healthy hair follicles and, subsequently, typical hair growth cycles:

• iron
• selenium
• zinc
• antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E
• B vitamins
• vitamin D

Ensure you’re getting enough protein and iron

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, adequate protein and iron intake has also been linked to healthy hair growth.

You may be able to help minimize hair loss by eating foods rich in these nutrients, but it’s unclear whether you can prevent surgery-related hair loss with any particular diet.

A blood test can determine whether you’re deficient in any of the above nutrients, and your doctor may recommend certain foods or supplements based on the results.

However, you shouldn’t take supplements on your own without any established nutritional deficiency. According to a 2017 research review, doing so may increase your risk for worsening hair loss from toxicity.

Talk with your doctor about hair loss concerns before surgery

It’s also important to discuss the possibility of surgery-related hair loss with your doctor before your operation.

If you expect a long surgery or an intensive care treatment, you may ask about the medical team’s plan for head turning schedules to help prevent positional alopecia.

Your doctor can help assess other risk factors for hair loss, and potentially offer an action plan to help minimize it. This may involve the preventive strategies listed above, as well as potential post-surgery treatments.

While it may be concerning to see thinning hair or increased hair loss after your surgery, there are steps you can discuss with your doctor to help treat it.

A dermatologist can determine whether a home or professional treatment is best, but either option can take several months to take full effect.

At-home treatments

At-home treatments may include:

• minoxidil (Rogaine) topical treatment applied to your scalp once or twice daily
• microneedling devices, which stimulate hair follicles via fine needles
• laser caps or combs applied to your scalp up to three times per week

Medical treatments

Depending on the severity of hair loss, your dermatologist may recommend one of the following professional treatments:

• corticosteroid injections
• laser therapy
• platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, with or without microneedling
• prescription medications for hair loss, including spironolactone for women and finasteride for men

The chances of experiencing hair loss after surgery isn’t well-established, but it’s possible that this major stressor can interfere with healthy hair follicle cycles and lead to temporary hair loss.

Other risk factors for hair loss include:

• the type of surgery you have
• your overall health
• your lifestyle

In most cases, hair loss after surgery will reverse itself over several months’ time.

If you do lose hair post-surgery, talk with a dermatologist about potential treatments and possible ways you can regulate your hair growth cycle once again.

Why does a newborn’s hair fall out, is it dangerous and what should a mother do? Baby hair loss is often the result of hormonal changes after birth. Also, chafing and areas without hair appear because the baby lies in one position for a long time on a certain part of the back of the head. And this is not a problem – by the first birthday, new hair grows. However, if your child’s hair continues to actively fall out after 6 months, be sure to consult a doctor to rule out serious illnesses. Or confirm them and prescribe treatment.

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Alopecia or chafing? When should you be concerned about hair loss in a child?

Yes, in most cases this is the norm: almost all newborns lose part of their hair or even all of their hair, which later grows back and may be of a different color and density. If your baby was born bald, take a closer look: he most likely has a pale, barely noticeable fluff on his head. In a year you will know if your baby is blond or brown, but for now enjoy the “hairstyle” that does not require any maintenance.

How long does it take for babies to lose their hair?

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Babies often lose all their hair during the first six months. This is called neonatal alopecia, when the fetal hairs have completely shed off, and new ones have not yet grown. They will have to wait another six months. And when they start growing, you will be surprised (or even shocked) by the fact that your baby seems to have changed his hair color and generally replaced his hair with another one. Mature hair can be very different from baby hair – in color, texture and, of course, density. One baby can be born with a thick black shock, like Elvis, and in a year turn into a discreet blond. The other will come out of the womb copper-red with thin hairs, and by the year will grow thick blond hair. So if both parents are blondes, and the child was born a burning brunette, do not rush to draw conclusions and wait for his new hair.

Why do newborns lose their hair?

• One of the main reasons is hormonal instability immediately after birth. By the way, many mothers lose their hair for the same reason. In her and her baby, everything in the body adapts to new conditions: the pregnancy is over, feeding has begun, the baby’s intrauterine life has been replaced by life in the air – and the body needs time to rebuild. While this is happening, hair falls out mercilessly due to hormonal surges.
• Sometimes the hair falls out for a purely mechanical reason: the child constantly lies on his back, turns his head and rubs the back of his head against the sheet. As a result, he rubs his bald spots, leaving hairs on the mattress. If a newborn spends most of the time in the same position, and an older baby, for example, constantly rests his head on the back of a highchair or car seat, he may also “polish” the place where his head meets the support.
• Also, delicate baby hair often cannot withstand physical tension, such as ponytails, and also falls out. This is called traction alopecia.
• And obsessive pulling of one’s hair and winding strands around one’s fingers is called trichotillomania and is also often accompanied by the loss of uneven patches of hair.
• If there are red scaly spots on the bald spots or dark dots appear in the place of the fallen hairs, the baby may have picked up a contagious fungal infection – dermatophytosis, or ringworm.
• Smooth, round, bowling-ball-shiny bald spots suggest alopecia areata. This is a condition in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles, dramatically slowing hair growth. It usually appears in separate areas, although it can affect all body hair.
• Some endocrine disorders also cause infantile pattern baldness, such as hypothyroidism (thyroid disease) or hypopituitarism (an underactive pituitary gland).

What should a mother do if her baby’s hair falls out?

Watch the baby. There is nothing you can do about hormonal hair loss, just wait until new ones grow back (and be surprised).

If an infant’s baldness is the result of a long stay in one position, try to periodically turn the baby from side to side, carry it on your arms, be sure to alternate resting on your back with laying it out on your tummy (when possible) and ensure the baby’s mobility. This is important not only for baldness reduction, but also for general physical development. Also try alternating the sides of the bed when laying down. For example, put the baby at one end of the bed at night, and at the opposite end during the day. Then it will lie on different parts of the back of the head, and the bald spots will decrease.

Tell your pediatrician if your baby has hair loss, especially if it continues beyond 6 months. Most likely, the doctor will calm you down and say that nothing terrible is happening. If baldness turns out to be a symptom of the disease, he will prescribe an examination and treatment. For example, for ringworm – antifungal drugs.

If your doctor suspects alopecia areata, he will refer you to a dermatologist for further evaluation. Some children simply outgrow alopecia areata without treatment. Others—usually older children—receive medications to stimulate hair growth.

Babies with thin, brittle, brittle hair can also lose quite a lot of hair. In this case, from the first months of life, take care of capricious baby hair and scalp until mature hair grows. For example, gently brush your baby’s “fluff” with the gentlest comb you can find, and don’t try to style your hair the opposite way, opt for a natural style.

Most hair loss in babies is temporary, and your bald baby is more likely to have a “lion’s mane” by one year.

How can I support my baby’s hair growth?

If they have already fallen out, then nothing, just wait until new ones grow. If the newborn still has some hair on the head, they can be taken care of so that they fall out less and grow better.

• Use a mild, paraben-, SLS-, fragrance- and other harsh chemical-free shampoo made for children.
• Wash your hair no more than two or three times a week, not every day – frequent washing dries out your child’s scalp, the hair follicles are undernourished and the hair may fall out.
• Use a soft washcloth to gently wash your baby’s head, and do not rub it with your nails or a towel .
• Use soft-bristled brushes to brush and remove scabs.

Baby hair loss – Center K33

The problem of hair loss occurs not only in adults or children, but also in newborns. If parents observe this in their child, first of all, do not panic. In certain cases, this phenomenon is not dangerous and is temporary. However, there are situations when a newborn loses hair on his head due to an acquired disease. But how can you tell if a baby’s hair loss is a sign of a serious illness? We will try to answer this question in the article.

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Why my baby’s hair falls out

This can be normal or dangerous. Let’s consider them in order. Hair loss in a newborn, if diseases are excluded, is due to the active replacement of lanugo (the scientific name for vellus hair) with stronger hair follicles.

Another reason for falling out is frequent head tossing during sleep. Because of this, a bald patch on the back of the head may also appear. Most often, the culprit of the problem is a tight hat. However, the appearance of rickets, which will be described below, is not excluded.

We will look at diseases that can cause alopecia.

1. Alopecia areata in children is accompanied by the appearance of completely smooth areas of oval or round shape on the head. The process proceeds quickly enough and after 2-3 days the child may turn out to be completely bald.
2. Hair loss is often the cause of hair loss. Hair loss in an infant occurs as a result of shaving the head, which is highly discouraged at this age. The roots of the hairs are located almost at the surface of the skin.