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What causes a bald patch on the head of a 2-year-old girl?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My 2-year-old daughter has a bald patch on her head. It is oval in shape with no hair in it. It is getting bigger from time to time. I am waiting for her blood test appointment now. What is this condition called? How to cure it?

Please help.
Answered by Dr. Shaunak Patel

Education:

MD DVL

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shaunak Patel is a well-experienced Dermatologist with 14 years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS in 2009 from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka and MD in Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy from Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences in 2014. He is well-specialized in Cosmetology and Venerology.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I presume it is tinea capitis or simply a fungal infection of the scalp. Do not worry, hair can regrow again and there is no permanent damage. It is common in children. It is very important to start the following early for the best results:

  1. Stop oiling the scalp. Oil is food for the fungus.
  2. Visit a dermatologist for the prescription drug. However, I am suggesting you a shampoo containing Ciclopirox olamine (antifungal). Apply to wet scalp and leave for two minutes and then rinse off. Continue it for a month with five times weekly shampooing.
  3. Apply Clotrimazole cream twice daily in the affected part for a month. Apply the cream slightly beyond the patch margin to cover invisible fungus in normal-looking skin too.

Before we commence treatment, wash baby's cap or cloth coming in contact with the baby's head in hot water with some antiseptic. It is crucial to kill the fungus sticking on to the cloth. Same applies to her comb. Otherwise, it will relapse.

Hope it helps.

Thanks and regards.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At December 22, 2015
Reviewed At October 3, 2024

Education:

MD DVL

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shaunak Patel is a well-experienced Dermatologist with 14 years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS in 2009 from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka and MD in Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy from Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences in 2014. He is well-specialized in Cosmetology and Venerology.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

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Concerned about your child's bald patch?

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Dr. Shaunak Patel
Dr. Shaunak Patel

Dermatology

Education:

MD DVL

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shaunak Patel is a well-experienced Dermatologist with 14 years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS in 2009 from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka and MD in Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy from Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences in 2014. He is well-specialized in Cosmetology and Venerology.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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