TLDR Most hair loss in children is caused by a few common conditions, and it's important to diagnose these properly and support the child's mental health.
In 1983, Dr. James D. Stroud's document detailed the causes and types of hair loss in children, noting that a normal scalp has 85-90% anagen hairs and 10-15% telogen hairs, with up to 100 hairs lost daily being normal. A review of over 2,000 pediatric patients over 10 years showed that 80% of hair loss cases were due to telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, and traction alopecia, with tinea capitis being the most common in children under 13. The document also covered hair breakage from styling, trichotillomania, androgenetic alopecia in adolescents, and various congenital and hereditary disorders. It described specific hair shaft defects, the need for a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis, and rare conditions like "Spun-glass" Hair Syndrome and Menkes Kinky-Hair Syndrome. The importance of recognizing hair loss as a significant medical issue and providing psychological support for affected children was emphasized.
8 citations,
March 1979 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Dr. Vera H. Price's 1979 work emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment for hair loss.
74 citations,
November 1975 in “Archives of dermatology” Increased DHT formation in skin can cause hair loss, acne, and excessive hair growth, and antiandrogens might treat these conditions.
45 citations,
March 2010 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft” A systematic approach is crucial for managing hair loss in women.
5 citations,
January 2015 in “Current problems in dermatology” The document concludes that a thorough history, physical exam, and specific tests are crucial for diagnosing and managing hair loss effectively.
90 citations,
June 2006 in “The American Journal of Dermatopathology” The document concludes that accurate diagnosis of different types of hair loss requires careful examination of hair and scalp tissue, considering both clinical and microscopic features.
40 citations,
July 2017 in “Frontiers in Medicine” Early and personalized treatment for hair loss in young people is crucial to prevent permanent damage and should include psychological support.
73 citations,
March 2009 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” The document concludes that accurate diagnosis of hair disorders is crucial and requires a range of diagnostic methods.
20 citations,
July 2009 in “Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology” Quick treatment of hair disorders in teenage girls is important because of the emotional effects.
