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Alopecia is a problem associated mainly with elderly or elderly people, in whom it is conditioned by the aging process or genetics. However, not only. It turns out that the problem of large amounts of hair loss also occurs in very young people – in infancy and in older children, but almost always before puberty. How to diagnose the problem and when to start worrying? What causes a child to bald?
Alopecia in a toddler can be noticed quite quickly: when large amounts of hair are left on the pillow after sleeping, they fall out massively when combing, and clearances appear on the top of the head. Usually, the cause lies in a condition known as alopecia areata.
Why is my baby going bald? Potential causes
- Diseases – congenital or hereditary,
- Dermatosis and anomalies of the hair shaft,
- alopecia areata,
- Trichotillomania – intentional or unconscious hair pulling. It can indicate an emotional disorder (such as nail biting or thumb sucking), with round patches appearing on the head, especially around the temples.
- Loose anagen hair syndrome – when there are gaps on the head. The child pulls out the “weaker” hair,
- Hypotrichosis simplex – a genetic disease diagnosed in childhood, occurring in boys and girls. In early childhood, the hair is thick and quite hard, then, during puberty, it begins to fall out. The affected person goes bald completely by the age of 20.
The most common case: alopecia areata in children
The most common cause of massive hair loss in children is alopecia areata, which is not a contagious disease. It is not an obstacle in everyday life – our toddler can fully enjoy life, go to school, play, play sports, etc. However, it is often a mental difficulty for him – he may feel inferior, it will be an aesthetic problem for him. Support from loved ones is especially important at this time. The child needs to know that the lack of hair does not mean exclusion from the group of friends and other people around them.
It happens that diseases such as allergies, parasites or hypothyroidism are responsible for alopecia areata, and after their end, the hair starts to grow again. The treatment of alopecia areata consists in stimulating the hair follicles through pharmacological therapy and natural methods, such as homeopathy, acupuncture, massages, cod liver oil, herbs, linseed, borage and evening primrose oils. It happens that hair growth occurs spontaneously, without any treatment.