Although hair loss in children is common, there are certain conditions that are generally not normal. Find out the reasons why children's hair falls out.
Hair loss in children is a common problem in dermatology consultations and can be triggered by a variety of conditions. Children lose their hair for different reasons than adults. However, in the paediatric population, this pathology is of particular importance because of the psychological consequences it entails.
There are a variety of reasons why children's hair falls out, from very tight hairstyles that generate traction on the hair to obsessive-compulsive disorder that leads to hair pulling. Here we will detail some of the most common characteristics.
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that affects the hair follicle in the affected area. Although it is one of the leading causes of hair loss in children, it can also occur in adults.
The affected areas, after resolving the clinical setting, do not show scars or residual manifestations. It is important to know that alopecia areata is one of the pathologies that resolves spontaneously.
The child has patches of alopecia on the scalp. In addition, in the paediatric field, this pathology is linked to atopic disease and nail disorders.
Consultation with the specialist should be done as soon as the first signs are observed. In fact, studies published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology conclude that the severity of alopecia areata at the time of the first consultation is a relevant prognostic factor.
Treatment options for alopecia areata
Spontaneous remission is common. However, there are different treatment options to speed up the process:
Topical corticosteroids: This type of management is effective in both moderate and severe modalities. Corticosteroids are considered the first-line treatment because of their ease of use, convenience and painlessness.
Topical minoxidil: Topical minoxidil 2% or 5% is often used as adjunctive therapy, in combination with topical or intralesional steroids. Hypertrichosis of the face and neck may be more common in children.
Intralesional corticosteroids: The use of this option is limited in children due to the cost of injections and pain.
Topical immunotherapy: modulates the local autoimmune attack on the hair follicles.
Nutritional deficiencies, one of the causes of hair loss in children
According to data from Clinics in Dermatology, a nutritional deficiency can lead to alteration in both hair structure, hair growth and hair loss. Effects on hair growth include acute telogen effluvium and diffuse alopecia caused by a lack of niacin.
Lack of iron is the most common and well-known nutritional deficiency for hair loss. Other risk factors include malabsorption disorders (such as celiac disease) because iron requires an acidic pH to be absorbed.
Currently, there are new eating styles that are booming. Among them, vegans and vegetarians are at higher risk of suffering from iron deficiency because their iron needs are considered higher than those of meat eaters.
Zinc deficiency is another cause of hair loss. This deficiency is also observed in vegetarianism, since the bioavailability of zinc is lower in vegetables than in meat.
Ringworm
Ringworm is an infection of the scalp caused by the dermatophytes Microsporum and Trichophyton. It is characterized by the fact that it occurs in children between 3 and 14 years of age. However, it can appear at any age. Ringworm has a good prognosis, thanks to treatment with systemic antifungal medications.
Griseofulvin is the option of choice, lasting 4 to 8 weeks. Topical treatments are not recommended due to their low effectiveness. This pathology can be classified into two types, inflammatory or non-inflammatory.
Non-inflammatory
It usually does not develop complications such as scarring alopecia. It presents as a sticky, thin, diffuse or uneven white scale that affects the scalp area. Its diagnosis is complex due to its similarity to dandruff.
Inflammatory
This variant of ringworm can lead to kerion (painful nodules with pus) as well as scarring alopecia. Cervical lymphadenopathy, fever, leukocytosis, and even a diffuse morbilliform rash are often observed.
Hair loss in children and consultation with the pediatrician
Although hair loss in children may be considered insignificant, one should not delay the consultation of the pediatrician. Indeed, the sooner the diagnosis is made by the specialist, the sooner treatment will begin. In addition, it is not recommended to use home remedies in any form or to resort to self-medication.
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