While we may not realize it, for most people hair plays an important part in our self-image and even our self-esteem. Hair loss can greatly increase negative feelings on how we see ourselves, especially for children who experience hair loss. While it may not seem as common as hair loss in adults, many children are affected by it. Hair loss in children is estimated to account for 3% of pediatrician visits and the vast majority of children suffering with hair loss do so because of the following conditions.
1. Tinea capitis: This is the most common cause of hair loss in children. Tinea capitis also known as ringworm of the scalp is a fungal infection that attacks the hair and causes scaly, ring-like lesions to form. It can affect the hair on the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes. Children with tinea capitis will have patchy hair loss around the affected areas and broken off hairs that are visible just above the surface. This condition is easily transmitted through touch from one infected child to another and can easily be passed on by sharing combs, brushes, hats, barrettes, pillows and bath towels. You can typically diagnose tinea capitis just by its appearance on the scalp and it can be treated with antifungal medications, such as griseofulvin, and special shampoo for eight weeks.
2. Alopecia Areata: Alopecia areata is when the hair suddenly start falling out in round or oval patches. These bald patches are completely smooth and they don’t show any signs of inflammation, scaling, or broken hairs. They can appear overnight or sometimes over a few days. This is a very rare condition that’s believed to occur when the child’s immune system suddenly attacks its own hair follicles. This condition affects about 1 in 1,000 children and there are no conclusive diagnostic tests for alopecia areata. It’s currently diagnosed through process of elimination of other hair loss causes and close examination of the bald spots. Alopecia areata cannot be cured but there are hair restoration solutions available at New Image Hair Clinic. Speak to a hair loss expert about your options at NewImageHairClinic.com
3. Hair Shaft Trauma: Physical stress is another common cause of hair loss in children. Hair shaft trauma is caused by constant pulling of the hair from tight ponytails or braids and excessive friction, such as, rubbing against a pillow. Hair trauma can also be caused by chemical burns or Trichotillomania, a mental condition that causes people to obsessively pull out their hair. As long as the hair trauma was not severe or wasn’t done long enough to cause scarring, the hair should regrow when the trauma has stopped. If hair loss persists, contact a hair loss specialist such as New Image to discuss your options. New Image is proud to offer a variety of solutions to all hair loss situations.
4. Telogen effluvium: Telogen effluvium is another common cause of hair loss in children this is a condition that occurs when the hair cycle is interrupted. Typically, an individual’s hair follicle has a long growth phase, producing steadily growing hair for 2 to 6 years. After the growth phase hair follows a brief transitional phase for about 3 weeks, where the hair follicle shrinks. Than the hair goes into the resting phase, also known as the telogen phase, for about 3 months this is when the hair follicles lie dormant. In the final stage the old hair sheds and new hair continues to grow. When telogen effluvium occurs something happens to interrupt the normal hair cycle causing many or all your hair to be thrown into the telogen phase. Many different things can cause Telogen effluvium such as extremely high fevers, excess vitamin A, emotional stress such as the death of a loved one, severe injuries, and the use of certain prescription medication. There is no conclusive diagnostic test to accurately diagnose telogen effluvium but it is usually up to the experience of the physician to make the diagnosis. In children, once the stressful event is over, full hair growth usually occurs between six months and one year.
If your child is experiencing hair loss, call New Image Hair Clinic for a complimentary hair and scalp analysis to determine the cause and proper solution(s). When you become a client of New Image, you can be assured that your 100% satisfaction will be our first priority. We are confident that your results will meet or exceed your expectations, our number one concern is you, and your input and your questions matter to us. So, go ahead, do what many of our clients have done, and schedule your FREE Hair and Scalp Analysis. www.NewImageHairClinic.com or call one of our two convenient locations – Pittsburgh: 1-888-615-0243, Harrisburg: 1-888-615-0563
New Image is Social. LIKE us on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/NewImageHairClinic?fref=ts
Since 1969 New Image Hair Clinic has been a premiere hair replacement center providing some of the most advanced hair loss solutions in Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, PA. At New Image Hair Clinic premiere service and state-of-the-art technology means that you can expect the latest, most up-to-date hair loss solutions, including Laser Hair Therapy, Non-Surgical Solutions, Hair Transplantation, and more. We are proud to offer FREE private, confidential consultations to help you determine which customized treatment option is best for your individual situation. Take the first step to a new you and schedule your free hair loss evaluation! NewImageHairClinic.com
Disclaimer: These solutions may not work for you.
Sources:
http://www.americanhairloss.org/children_hair_loss/causes_treatment.asp
http://www.everydayhealth.com/hair-loss/conditions-that-cause-hair-loss-in-children.aspx
http://www.kidsgrowth.com/resources/articledetail.cfm?id=236
http://www.americanhairloss.org/children_hair_loss/causes_treatment.asp
http://www.everydayhealth.com/hair-loss/conditions-that-cause-hair-loss-in-children.aspx
http://www.kidsgrowth.com/resources/articledetail.cfm?id=236
