Hair Loss in Children

Causes of Childhood Hair Loss

Here our hair loss experts discuss the most common causes for hair loss in children to help you support your child.

Tinea Capitis

Tinea captis is a form of ringworm and one of the most common hair loss conditions for children. This fungal infection is contagious and can easily spread in school classroom and playgrounds. If your child’s scalp is dry and flaky with ring-like lesions, this may be a symptom of Tinea captis.  It is easily treatable with antifungal medications and specialist shampoo.

Alopecia Areata

If you child’s hair has started to fall out in round patches, this may be a sign of alopecia areata. Alopecia in children is quite rare, but does affect 1 in 1,000 children. The hair loss in children occurs within a matter of a few days, and the bald patterns are smooth and not inflamed.

If you suspect your child is experiencing alopecia symptoms, please visit our hair loss specialists at Simone Thomas hair loss clinic in Bournemouth. Our qualified trichologists will examine their scalp to help diagnose their condition and recommend a suitable hair loss treatment. 
 
Alopecia Totalis & Alopecia Universalis

These are similar conditions to alopecia areata, except that the child loses all scalp hair (alopecia totalis) or all scalp hair and all body hair (alopecia universalis).

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia can cause hair loss in children who wear tight braids or ponytails and in newborns and infants who lose hair on the back of their head from rubbing it against their crib.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is another classic cause of hair loss in children.  Children with telogen effluvium have often had a recent illness, typically with a high fever, surgery, sudden weight loss, or have experienced serious emotional stress, and then suddenly lose a lot of hair about six weeks to three months later.  This hair condition is an interruption to the normal hair cycle. During telogen effluvium, more hairs than usual are shed, sometimes up to 70%.

Trichotillomania

Are baldness patches on your child’s head the same side as their dominant hand?  This may be sign of trichotillomania or compulsive hair pulling, which is often linked to stress or anxiety.  If you suspect this may be the cause, please consult our hair loss specialists at Simone Thomas hair loss clinic in Bournemouth for further advice

Other causes of hair loss in children

Other causes of hair loss in children and teens include bacterial infections and cancer hair loss.

Hair Loss Treatments for Children at Simone Thomas Clinic

There are many effective hair loss treatments available at Simone Thomas hair loss clinic including hair extensions, human hair wigs, volumizers, hairpieces and more. Read more about hair loss in children on our hair loss blog.

Book a Hair Loss Consultation at Simone Thomas Trichology Clinic in Bournemouth

Our highly qualified and experienced team can help with the diagnosis and treatment of your child's hair loss.  Call Simone Thomas Trichology Clinic on the number at the bottom of the page, or alternatively you can request a consultation by completing the form below.