Just like adult hair, kids’ hair has a fairly predictable life cycle. Each strand of kids’ hair grows actively for two to six years. After that, the hair goes through a resting cycle called the telogen phase. After about three months in the telogen phase, the hair falls out and a new one grows in its place. Causes of Hair Loss in Children There are many reasons kids’ hair might fall out abnormally or excessively. The following conditions are the most common causes of hair loss in children:
Tinea capitis. The most common cause of hair loss in children is an infection known as tinea capitis. Tinea capitis is a type of ringworm that attacks the hair and causes scaly, ring-like lesions to form. It is a contagious fungal infection, and is commonly spread among school-aged children. Tinea capitis can affect hair of the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes. The area of hair loss is often flaky or scaly, and contains hairs that appear to be broken off at the surface. Most cases of tinea capitis are diagnosed by the appearance of the scalp. An ultraviolet light may be used to confirm the diagnosis. Tinea capitis is treated with antifungal medications and special shampoo for eight weeks. This condition is generally not contagious during treatment.Alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is when patches of kids’ hair suddenly start falling out in a round or oval pattern. This hair loss occurs within a matter of a few days, and the bald patterns are smooth and not inflamed. Alopecia areata is thought to occur when a child’s immune system mistakenly attacks her own hair follicles. This condition is relatively rare, affecting about 1 in 1,000 children at any given time. There is no specific test for alopecia areata; it is diagnosed after an examination of the scalp, and once other conditions are ruled out. Alopecia areata cannot be cured, but dermatologists can use medications to help promote hair growth. In some cases, alopecia areata will progress until all of the hair on a child’s head falls out.
