Children’s Hair Conditions
Hair loss conditions in children are quite common yet can cause the child great distress during a time in their life when they just want to fit in and ‘be normal’. Here at UK Hair Consultants, we specialise in treating hair loss in children, particularly those experiencing the following conditions:
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is the sudden appearance of round patches of hair loss on the scalp, these patches are normally very smooth and tend not to have any hairs in them. The condition affects around 1 in every 1,000 children and is caused by body’s immune system attacking the hair follicles. Whilst there is no single ‘cure’, an early and correct diagnosis ensures that several medications and treatments can be used successfully.
Tinea Capitis
Tinea capitis is ringworm caused by a fungal infection to the scalp – not an actual worm. Children with tinea capitis usually have some patchy hair loss with broken hairs visible. A Woods Light is used to help to accurately diagnose this condition and an antifungal oral treatment, such as Grisofulvin, is usually prescribed for around 8 weeks, in combination with a medicated shampoo such a Nizoral. With tinea capitis it is vital that a proper diagnosis is confirmed, and the full course of prescribed treatment is taken otherwise the condition will return.
Trauma
Traumatic hair damage in children, is usually due to tight ponytails or braids being worn continuously. The use of certain hair bands can also damage the hair. Whilst traumatic damage cannot be reversed, we can however work with a selective range of products to treat and manage the hair whilst the damaged follicles grow and can then be cut out.
Trichotillomania
This is the condition of continual pulling of the hair, widely considered to be a compulsive disorder. Often the resulting hair loss is patchy and can be confused with other conditions. It is important to seek advice to secure a correct diagnosis, as this condition can result in permanent hair loss.
Telogen Effluvium
In children telogen effluvium can be caused by a variety of things, such as very high fevers, medical treatments/operations, emotional stress and/or bereavement. This type of hair loss doesn’t cause scarring and can be easily treated.
Hair loss through cancer treatment
For anyone going through chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments for cancer, the trauma of losing their hair can sometimes feel greater than the disease or treatment journey. We understand how devastating it is for a child or young adult to face losing their hair and we are here to give comprehensive advice and temporary hair loss solutions specifically designed for children. It is important to reassure the child that the hair loss is temporary and that it will regrow, whilst giving them options for coping throughout their treatment period.