When it comes to hair loss, children seem to be more relaxed about the whole situation compared to adults, particularly those less than 10 years of age. There are many reasons for hair loss in children that is not necessarily anything to do with diseases, exposure to harmful chemicals or extensive hair treatment.
One of the common reasons of sudden hair loss in children is Tinea Capitis; this is a fungal infection that is particular to the scalp area. It is known for affecting the hair follicles and hair shafts, also recognized by the name ringworm of the scalp it could also affect the eyebrows and eyelashes. Being contagious, medical treatment is needed as soon as it is discovered to be able to treat it effectively and prevent it spreading to others.
Other causes of hair loss in children includes Alopecia Areata
Whereby bald patches are found on the scalp and other areas of the body, immediate treatment is needed to prevent the lost of all the hair. Another common hair loss problem in children is Trichotillomania, this is a problem that is made worse by the child itself. This particular problem is associated with obsessive-compulsive behavioral problems in children whereby the child continuously tugs and pulls at their hair. With the use of relaxation and behavioral therapy sessions this problem can be corrected and with given time the hair will grow back.
Trauma and Traction alopecia is caused by the pulling or rubbing of the hair in one place, which in turn weakens the hair strands and causes breakage and can eventually prevent new growth. A new addition to a family can cause major stress to a toddler, and one way of dealing with it is pulling at the hair, this will soon cause concern and attract attention which is what the toddler feels they need in the first place, young children are particularly vulnerably and finding ways to attract attentions will come in many forms, but pulling at the hair is a major concern.
