People of any age can experience hair loss, but it may feel more distressing to see a child lose their hair.The most common causes of hair loss in kids can be diagnosed and treated by your family physician.If you can't stop the problem, you should see a doctor or a specialist.Changing your child's diet and hair care routine will help them deal with hair loss.
Step 1: There are patches of hair loss.
Tinea capitis is the most common cause of hair loss in children.Look at your child's hair.If they have round or oval patches of hair loss with some broken off hairs visible just above the skin of their scalp, it's a sign of ringworm.There are little black dots on the hair.There are scales on the hair.There is a chance that the child has ringworm on other parts of their body.There is a red ring with a flaky center.
Step 2: Feel the child's bald spots.
You can touch the bald spots with your fingers.If they are completely smooth, notice.Look for broken hairs or small black spots on the head.Alopecia areata is a condition in which children lose their hair in patches.It can happen overnight due to an immune response.
Step 3: There are details about the hair loss.
Hair loss can occur over several days or even overnight, depending on the cause.You can tell your doctor about your child's hair loss if you keep track of it.If any new product was used before the hair loss, or if the child was exposed to any chemicals, keep a log.There are bald spots.
Step 4: There may be traumas in the child's life.
Total or partial hair loss can be caused by a physically or emotionally traumatic event.Taking medication can affect the body in this way.telogen effluvium is a disorder.6-16 weeks after a traumatic event, hair loss can occur.Think back to a few months ago and see if your child experienced any of the following.
Step 5: Look at your child's behavior with their hair.
If your child is losing hair, keep an eye on their behavior.If you notice, your child is pulling at their hair, twisting it, and playing with it.Do you know if they do this more when they're nervous or uncomfortable?Children who play with their hair can cause damage and hair loss.
Step 6: Take your child to the doctor.
If you get your hair loss diagnosed by your doctor, it can be accurately treated.The doctor can perform a number of tests to determine the cause of the problem.They will use a Wood's lamp to check for ringworm.Other problems can be diagnosed with a physical exam, history, and possibly a blood test.
Step 7: Get your hormones checked.
Hair loss can be caused by problems with your child's hormones.A doctor can check this with a physical exam and a simple blood test.Get these tests done if there is no other cause for hair loss.The hormones can be corrected with medication.
Step 8: For 8 weeks, treat ringworm with oral medicine.
It takes a while to go away from ringworm.Depending on the severity of the infection, your child may have to take an oral medication daily and use an anti-histamine twice a week.You can use it as directed by your doctor or as indicated on the bottle.If your child takes their medication correctly, they shouldn't be contagious.There is no need to keep them out of school.Both treatment methods should be used for the full 8 weeks.You will have to start treatment from the beginning if the ringworm returns.
Step 9: Alopecia areata should be treated.
Ask your doctor if you can apply creams to the bald areas.Teenagers can try steroid injections if they can tolerate them.Anthralin or Minoxidil can also be used.Hair growth may come back in 12 to 18 weeks if treatments are successful.
Step 10: You should consult a skin specialist.
Doctors who care for skin are called dermatologists.If your child has a skin condition, it's a good idea to see a dermatologist.Your child may get all their hair back in a year.Some medicines can be prescribed by your doctor to help promote hair growth.You can choose the best medication if you talk to your doctor about your child's health and medical history.
Step 11: Your child has anxiety.
Hair loss can be caused by stress and anxiety.If your child has an anxiety disorder such as generalized anxiety, separation anxiety or panic disorder, you should work with a behavioral health professional who specializes in children's care.Listen to your child's concerns and fears to help them cope with stress.Provide caring, positive responses that acknowledge their feelings, such as, "I understand why that made you feel scared, but it's okay now."Positive activities with them include reading, playing outside, and warm physical contact.
Step 12: Problematic hair pulling can be alleviated by working with a behavioral therapist.
If your child pulls their hair out frequently, they may have a disorder called trichotillomania.The hair may be eaten by the child.The habit of plucking or twirling hair is not the same as obsessive-compulsive disorder.Those with ocd are more likely to have trichotillomania.If you notice these symptoms, you should see a behavioral therapist.Talk therapy and behavioral modifications can be used to ease your child's symptoms.Once the child stops pulling on hair, it will grow back.
Step 13: Telogen effluvium has a rapid loss of hair.
A sudden stress, such as the death of a loved one, surgery under general anesthesia, severe injury, or after the use of certain medications, can cause the hair growth cycle to shift, which can result in unusual hair loss.Within 6 months to a year, a full recovery of hair growth can be expected after the stress stops.If hair loss persists, more attention will be needed to see if it is related to other disorders.You can avoid stress in the future by recognizing it.There are many more possibilities than just those mentioned.
Step 14: Make sure your child is getting enough iron.
Iron deficiency can cause hair loss.Ask your doctor to check your child's iron level if there are no other causes for hair loss.They should include iron rich foods in their diet if they are low in iron.Too much iron can be harmful to children and your doctor may recommend an iron supplement.Iron-rich foods include red meat, pork, poultry, seafood, beans, dark leafy greens, dried fruit, and iron-fortified grains.
Step 15: Zinc and biotin should be part of your child's diet.
Children with low zinc may have hair problems.If your doctor tells you your child has a zinc deficiency, include foods that are high in zinc in their diet.Lean meats, seafood, peas, and beans are good sources of zinc.
Step 16: Don't wear hair long.
Repeated pulling on the hair by tight ponytails, braids, and barrettes can cause hair loss.The child's hair should be kept in loose braids or down completely.A headband can help keep long hair out of your child's face.Blow drying, teasing, combing, and brushing of your child's hair is not recommended.
Step 17: It's a good idea to avoid constant friction on the hair.
If your child rubs their head against an object, it can damage their hair and cause hair loss.If the balding area is rubbing against something, pay attention to the area of hair loss.Take action to prevent this from happening again.
Step 18: Thin hair can be treated gently.
If your child is starting to lose their hair, it's a good idea to treat it gently.It's a good idea to wash it less frequently and use a mild cleanser.Teens can damage fragile hair if they use color treatment or highlights.Instead of using blow dryers or curling irons, let hair dry naturally.
Step 19: Discuss the effects of cancer treatment on hair.
Your child may lose their hair if they are undergoing treatment.It can be distressing for older children and teenagers, but this may not bother younger children.Not all cancer treatments cause hair loss.Discuss the possibility with your child and have a conversation about it.It may help your child deal with hair loss if they are prepared.The idea of getting better is one of the positive aspects of their treatment.They should be told that hair grows back, and that they are beautiful no matter what.
Step 20: Take a picture of your child's hair.
Your child may want a wig that matches their hair color before it falls out.Take photos of your child's favorite hair cut if they experience hair loss.Cut a small lock of their hair and save it for later.
Step 21: They should shorten their hair before it falls out.
Losing control is one of the more difficult aspects of hair loss.Help your child take control of the situation by suggesting that they have a short haircut.They can feel more in control if they shave their head or cut their hair short.It will make the hair loss look less dramatic.
Step 22: Shop for attractive cover-ups.
Your child can wear hats and scarves if you shop with them.They should feel good in whatever they choose.Give them a budget and allow them to purchase what they want.
Step 23: There is a prescription for a wig.
If your doctor prescribes a wig, your insurance company will cover the cost.Call your insurance company to be sure they will pay for it, wigs are called hair prostheses and can be made for young people.If you need help getting a wig, call your local chapter of the American Cancer Society.They might be able to give you a free wig.Allow your child to choose whatever wig they want.It can help them feel more in control.