Introduction:
Hair loss is an issue we usually associate with adults, but hair loss is fairly common in children as well. Most children (26 months or older) have hair loss problems, which can be frightening for the parents. Compared to adults, it is easier to treat or grow back hair in children once the underlying cause is known.
What Are the Indications and Manifestations of Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia areata typically begins suddenly with one or multiple round, smooth bald patches on the scalp. Although it is uncommon, complete hair loss on the head can occur. Hair often regrows within a few months, even without treatment. Initially, it may grow back fine or white, but it usually returns to its original texture and color over time. Individuals with alopecia areata may experience hair loss and regrowth cycles, either in the same areas as before or in new spots. In most cases, hair does grow back. Permanent hair loss is very rare. Alopecia areata can also affect the nails on the fingers and toes. When this happens:
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White spots might develop on the nails.
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Nails may feel pitted, grooved, or rough.
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Nails can become thin and prone to splitting.
What Are the Medical Causes of Hair Loss in Children?
Most children aged 26 months or older experiencing hair loss typically have one of these conditions as the underlying cause. The child's pediatrician or a pediatric dermatologist should be able to identify these conditions and recommend a suitable treatment.
1. Tinea Capitis:
Tinea capitis, also called ringworm of the scalp, is a fungal infection frequently seen in children. It can manifest in various ways but is frequently identified by scaly patches causing hair loss on the scalp. These patches typically appear round or oval, with hairs often breaking off at the skin surface, resembling black dots on the scalp. If tinea capitis is suspected by the child's doctor, a microscopic examination can confirm the diagnosis. Treatment typically involves oral antifungal medication like griseofulvin taken for eight weeks. Moreover, the child may require the use of an antifungal shampoo like selenium sulfide or ketoconazole to decrease the shedding of the fungus. Due to ringworm's contagious nature, caution should be taken to prevent sharing objects that come into contact with the head, such as hats, pillowcases, hair clippers, or brushes.
2. Alopecia Areata:
Alopecia areata is a non-contagious condition where the immune system targets hair follicles, causing sudden circular or oval hair loss areas. About 25% of affected children also have nail issues. While there's no cure, treatments like corticosteroids, scalp injections, and medications can help regrow hair within months, but results vary, and some may progress to complete hair loss.
3. Trichotillomania:
Trichotillomania refers to hair loss resulting from a child's habit of pulling, plucking, twisting, or rubbing their hair. This form of hair loss presents as patchy and is identified by the presence of broken hairs varying in length. Typically, these patches are observed on the side corresponding to the child's dominant hand. Trichotillomania can be brought on by stressors or anxiety in the child's home environment, such as the passing of a grandparent, the arrival of a new sibling, a divorce, or stress related to school. If parents observe their child pulling their hair, reprimanding them is unlikely to be beneficial. Instead, counseling aimed at addressing the underlying stress or anxiety that triggers this behavior may help in stopping it. Another condition known as traction alopecia can occur when braids or ponytail holders are fastened too tightly, leading to hair loss along the hairline. This condition may manifest with inflamed follicles in the affected area. Treatment typically involves applying a topical antibiotic ointment and loosening the braids or ponytail to relieve the tension.
4. Telogen Effluvium:
Telogen effluvium is a condition where an abrupt or severe stressor, such as a very high fever, surgery requiring general anesthesia, the loss of a loved one, a serious injury, or the use of specific prescription medications, disrupts the usual hair growth cycle. This interruption causes hair follicles to cease growth prematurely and enter a resting phase known as the telogen phase. Within six to 16 weeks, excessive shedding of hair occurs, resulting in partial or complete baldness. There are no conclusive tests to verify a diagnosis of telogen effluvium, and there is currently no particular treatment specifically designed for it. However, once the triggering stressful event has passed, complete hair regrowth typically occurs within six months to a year.
5. Nutritional Deficiency:
While less frequent, hair loss can indicate deficiencies in specific nutrients, such as:
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Biotin, also referred to as Vitamin H and belonging to the B complex of vitamins, assists the body in converting carbohydrates into glucose to provide energy.
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Zinc, a vital mineral necessary for numerous cellular metabolic functions, also contributes to promoting healthy growth and development throughout pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence.
Excessive intake of vitamin A can sometimes result in hair loss. With a well-rounded and diverse diet, most children are unlikely to develop nutritional deficiencies causing hair loss. However, if there are concerns, it's advisable to consult the child's doctor before considering nutritional supplements.
6. Endocrine Problems:
Sometimes, hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland is underactive and produces insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone, can cause hair loss in children. Thyroid medications will prevent hair loss and bring thyroid levels back to normal. Homeopathic remedies, to a greater extent, help normalize thyroid hormones. Based on the complete picture of the child, an indicative homeopathic remedy should be prescribed, especially for endocrine problems like hypothyroidism.
What Are the Non-Medical Causes of Hair Loss in Children?
While certain causes of hair loss necessitate medical attention, others resolve naturally over time. These include:
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Newborn Hair Loss: Many newborns shed their hair in the first few months, with permanent hair gradually replacing it.
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Rubbing: Babies aged three to six months may develop bald spots due to friction with surfaces like cribs, mattresses, or car seats. As they become more mobile, lost hair tends to grow back.
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Hair Abuse: Hair loss can result from excessive brushing or tight hairstyles such as ponytails or braids. Gentle handling encourages hair regrowth.
What Is the Diagnostic Process for Alopecia Areata?
For diagnosing alopecia, medical professionals typically-
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Inquire about the individual's medical and family history, as alopecia can sometimes run in families.
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Conduct a visual examination of the areas experiencing hair loss and assess the condition of the nails.
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Utilize a magnifying instrument to closely inspect the hair and hair follicles.
In What Ways Can Parents Assist?
For children with alopecia:
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Follow the doctor's instructions regarding the application of prescribed skin creams or lotions.
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Before outdoor activities, apply sunscreen to any exposed scalp and skin areas.
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Coping with the hair loss associated with alopecia areata can be challenging. Consider the following suggestions:
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There are numerous cosmetic solutions available to help children manage hair loss. Some may opt to cover affected areas with wigs, hair wraps, or hats, while others may choose to shave their heads.
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Older children and teenagers experiencing eyelash loss might want to explore false eyelash options, with stick-on varieties being the most convenient.
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Therapy sessions or participation in alopecia areata support groups can assist children in addressing any negative emotions related to hair loss.
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How to Treat It with Homeopathy?
Tinea Capitis (Ringworm of the Scalp) Treatment - Homeopathic remedies like Bacillinum, Graphites, Mezereum, Sulphur, Psorimun, and Tellurium can be used in treating this condition.
Alopecia Areata (Round, Oval Patch Over the Scalp) Treatment - Homeopathic remedies act like a miracle in treating alopecia areata. It is believed that homeopathic remedies, given after considering the totality of the patient, are more likely to provide positive results than giving just specific remedies, where the recurrence of the problem is very common.
Trauma to the Hair Shaft - Treatment - After removing the cause, the child may take Arnica 30C two pills in two spoons of water every day for ten days. Arnica will relieve the pain that was caused due to trauma to the scalp.
Telogen Effluvium (Sudden and Severe Stress) -Treatment - There is no particular treatment for this condition in the allopathic system of medicine. Still, with the help of homeopathy, the child can overcome the stressful event, allowing hair to grow back and maintain the normal hair growth cycle. To treat this condition, understanding the level of the child's mental, emotional, and physical state is very important. Therefore, psychological counseling is necessary as well, especially if the child is going through emotional stress. Along with medicine and counseling, good nutritional support will help regain the hair. For example, B-complex vitamins and zinc supplements are good for hair growth.
Conclusion:
Treatment and managing hair loss in children is critical, and timely action is required to stop further damage and prevent similar future occurrences. There are several homeopathy-specific remedies for hair loss in children, and some of them are mentioned above. These specific remedies can miraculously treat the condition. However, most of the time, it becomes essential to prescribe the classical treatment based on the patient's overall health history and considering the child's totality.
