Causes of Hair Loss in Children
Hair loss in children is quite a rare and strange problem. Adults are often plagued by all sorts of problems, and many of their hair loss problems are at least partly age related. However, almost all children usually have healthy, glossy hair that most adults envy. Premature hair loss does sometimes occur, and although it is often not treatable, it is not a sign of any health problem either. However, strictly speaking, this kind of hair loss does not affect children – the earliest it can begin would be the teen years, and this too is quite unusual.
Hair Loss Cures
If there is severe hair loss in a child, the first thing you should consider is whether it is due to a fungal infection. If the child seems to scratch his or her head unusually often or complains of soreness in the scalp, there is a good chance that a fungal infection is at work. You may be able to solve the problem by being very strict about hygiene over the next few weeks. Ensure that the child washes his or her hair regularly, and the hair and scalp are not left damp for hours afterwards. After play time or any activities that cause a lot of sweating too, the child’s head should be dried thoroughly, if not washed. Moisture helps fungal infections to grow, and this is the main thing you need to avoid. If these measures do not seem to help enough, you can try using a mild anti fungal shampoo that is suitable for children. You can also try applying tea tree oil on the child’s scalp, but begin with a very small amount. Tea tree oil, although it is a natural product, is quite strong and harsh, and may irritate the sensitive skin of a child. If there is no adverse reaction to the small amount of oil, you can start applying a more adequate amount daily before going to bed. Wash the oil off in the morning. Once a week, you can also rinse the child’s hair with a solution of vinegar and water, in a proportion of approximately 1:5, after a regular wash.
If the hair loss and other symptoms continue for more than a couple of weeks, in spite of all these measures, then you should consult a doctor. There are some serious medical conditions that can cause hair loss in children, and the earlier treatment begins, the more effective it will be.