All About Pediatric Hair Loss

It is not surprising to notice hair fall in people once they cross the age of 50. However, it is definitely surprising and even shocking in some cases to observe hair fall or hair loss in the pediatric population. Right from newborns to infants and toddlers, there have been cases of hair fall in children. It is quite a common phenomenon; however, the reasons behind children having are quite different from adults having this condition.

A problem with the scalp is the most common cause of Pediatric Hair Loss. Losing hair during childhood subjects the child to ridicule at school or daycare center leading to some children getting depressed and may not want to attend school.

Since, Pediatric Hair Loss has significant adverse effects to the psyche of the child, it is essential to consult a physician and take adequate measures before things get out of hand. Read below to find out about the different causes and treatment options for Pediatric Hair Loss.

Causes Pediatric Hair Loss and How is it Treated?

In majority of the cases of Pediatric Hair Loss, the cause is an infection of the scalp. Below mentioned are some of the common medical causes of Pediatric Hair Loss. They include both medical and non-medical causes like tinea capitis, Trichotillomania, Hair Loss of Newborn, friction Hair Loss, exposure to Chemicals, Hair Dryer Use, and Hair Ties. However, the major cause for hair loss in children is

Alopecia Areata: This is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks the hair follicles causing hair loss. Approximately 1 in every 1000 children is affected by Alopecia Areata. There are normally three forms of Alopecia namely, Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis, and Alopecia Universalis.

While Alopecia Areata causes bald patches to form on the scalp of the child, the other two forms causes hair to fall from the scalp and body. Children with Alopecia Areata ultimately lose all their hairs and become bald.

Alopecia Totalis:This is an advanced form of Alopecia Areata. In this condition, there is complete loss of hair from the scalp. This condition is quite rare and usually genetic makeup of the child has a role to play in this. Studies estimate that 5% of children with Alopecia Areata go on to develop Alopecia Totalis. The cause for Alopecia Totalis is unknown.

Conditions that Cause Hair Loss in Males

There are two conditions that cause air loss in males, namely Telogen Effluvium and Alopecia Areata. Telogen Effluvium is the second most common cause hair loss in males. Scientifically, about 90% of hair follicles actively produce hairs while the other 10% are in a static phase called as Telogen phase where no hairs are produced. Telogen Effluvium occurs when maximum hair follicles enter the Telogen phase and stop producing hairs.

Alopecia Areata on the other hand is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system of the body attacks the hair follicles and damages it thus inhibiting production of hairs.

How is Hair Loss Diagnosed?

For a definitive diagnosis of the cause of the Hair Loss, the physician will first take a detailed history of the patient, including personal and family history. Once history taking is done then certain investigative tests will be ordered to come to the bottom of the cause of the Hair Loss. These tests include:
Pull Test: This test involves pulling of a few strands of hair forcefully to check whether any hairs come out of their groove. This gives the physician an idea of whether the quality of hair of the patient is healthy and strong.
Skin Lesion KOH Test: This test involves scraping some samples from the scalp of the patient to observe the hair roots. This gives the physician an idea as to whether there is an infection responsible for Hair Loss.
Blood Test: These are done to identify any underlying medical condition like a thyroid disorder that may be responsible for Hair Loss in the patient.
Microscopy: This is done to observe the hair shaft and see whether there is any abnormality there that may be causing the Hair Loss.

Treatment Options For Pediatric Hair Loss

Alopecia Areata: As of now, there is no cure for this condition but there are treatments available which can be quite effective in regrowth of hair and prevent further hair loss. These include corticosteroids in the form of lotions and creams. Minoxidil is also quite effective in calming down the symptoms of Alopecia Areata. If proper treatment is given, then it is quite common for most children to regrow hair within a span of a year.

Alopecia Totalis: Corticosteroids and biologics are the most preferred treatment for Alopecia Totalis in children. Steroids are given in a tapered dose as chronic use of this medication can cause side effects. Another treatment for Alopecia Totalis is called as pulsed steroid therapy in which a cream containing steroid is rubbed in the scalp of the child causing an allergic reaction. This reaction stimulates new hair growth. It should be noted here that this treatment is only given for a short period of time. Biologics are a group of medications that promote growth of new hair. However, these drugs are under various stages of testing and not yet administered on patients. Dr. Rajeshwari’s Clinic, has more than 90% success rate in treating childern with different types of hair disorders.

Can Hair Loss be Prevented?

Hair Loss caused due to the normal process of aging cannot be prevented. However, steps can be taken to prevent loss and damage by avoiding chemical use in the hair like hair color and hair dyes. It is also recommended not to use hair dryers for long periods of time as it literally pulls the hair out from their shafts thereby damaging it. This makes the hair weak and brittle.
For healthy hair, it is always best to practice good hair hygiene by shampooing it regularly. Additionally, eating a diet rich in proteins, vitamin B, and iron is also quite effective in preventing hair loss. Keeping the thyroid levels under control and seeking immediate levels if diagnosed with an underactive or overactive thyroid is also recommended to prevent Hair Loss.