TLDR Hair loss in children can be caused by fungal infections, trauma, autoimmune disorders, or stress, and treatments vary depending on the cause.
The document from 1991 discusses the causes, characteristics, and treatments of alopecia in children, noting that hair loss can cause significant anxiety for both children and parents. It identifies four major causes of alopecia in children, which are tinea capitis, trauma, alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium, with tinea capitis being the most common. The document describes the normal hair growth cycle, which includes the anagen, catagen, and telogen phases, and explains that alopecia becomes clinically detectable when 25% to 40% of scalp hairs are lost. It also mentions that certain physical conditions and chemicals can induce hair loss. Tinea capitis is highlighted as a fungal infection treatable with griseofulvin and selenium sulfide shampoo, while alopecia areata, which may be autoimmune in nature, has no recommended treatment, although some success has been seen with topical corticosteroids and minoxidil. Trauma-induced hair loss, such as trichotillomania, may require psychological consultation and behavioral strategies. The document also touches on hair loss due to chemotherapy and the importance of nurses being aware of the various causes and treatments of alopecia to support children and their families in maintaining a positive self-image.
20 citations,
July 1990 in “Pediatrics in Review” The four main causes of hair loss in children are fungal infections, pulling out hair, autoimmune hair loss, and stress-related hair shedding.
36 citations,
March 1989 in “Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine” 3% topical minoxidil effectively treats extensive alopecia areata.
5 citations,
November 2011 in “Expert Review of Dermatology” The document concludes that early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan are crucial for managing hair loss in children, with a focus on both medical and psychological support.
July 2018 in “Elsevier eBooks” The most common cause of hair loss in children is tinea capitis, followed by alopecia areata and telogen effluvium.
1 citations,
January 2013 in “Elsevier eBooks” The document reviews various hair and nail disorders, their causes, and treatments, emphasizing the need for proper diagnosis and the link between nail changes and systemic diseases.
1 citations,
December 2010 in “InnovAiT” The document concludes that accurate diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for treating various hair disorders, which have significant psychological impacts.
30 citations,
May 2004 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft” The document concludes that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for children with hair loss to prevent permanent damage, although not all conditions can be effectively treated.
2 citations,
March 2016 in “Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America” The document says that common skin conditions in adult women can be treated effectively, with acne being the most common and early-detected melanoma having a high survival rate.