From the Guidelines
Hair loss in a 10-year-old child is most likely caused by alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks hair follicles, as well as other factors such as nutritional deficiencies, particularly vitamin D, zinc, and folate deficiencies, as suggested by the most recent study 1.
Possible Causes of Hair Loss
The causes of hair loss in a 10-year-old child can be multifactorial, including:
- Genetic conditions like alopecia areata, which has a genetic predisposition, with about 20% of people with alopecia areata having a family history of the disease 1
- Nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin D, zinc, and folate deficiencies, which have been found to be lower in patients with alopecia areata compared to controls 1
- Other factors such as stress, certain medications, hormonal imbalances, physical trauma to the hair, and medical conditions like thyroid disorders or diabetes
Importance of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment
If a 10-year-old is experiencing hair loss, parents should consult a pediatrician or dermatologist promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment. The doctor will likely examine the scalp, ask about family history, recent illnesses, medications, and possibly order blood tests to determine the underlying cause.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the specific diagnosis and may include:
- Antifungal medications for ringworm
- Behavioral therapy for trichotillomania
- Dietary changes for nutritional deficiencies
- Specific treatments for autoimmune conditions, such as alopecia areata It is essential to consider the potential benefits and risks of treatment, as well as the impact on the child's quality of life, as suggested by the British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of alopecia areata 1.
From the Research
Causes of Hair Loss in Children
The causes of hair loss in children can be varied, but most often, it is due to a benign or self-limiting condition 2. Some of the common causes of hair loss in children include:
- Tinea capitis, a fungal infection of the scalp
- Alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss
- Trauma due to traction alopecia or trichotillomania, a condition where a person pulls out their own hair
- Telogen effluvium, a condition where hair falls out due to stress or other factors
- Scarring alopecia, a condition where hair loss is accompanied by scarring of the scalp
Non-Scarring Alopecia
Non-scarring alopecia is the most common type of hair loss in children, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Androgenetic alopecia, a condition where hair loss is caused by hormonal imbalances
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, such as deficiencies in vitamin B, vitamin D, iron, and zinc 3
- Trichotillomania, a condition where a person pulls out their own hair
- Telogen effluvium, a condition where hair falls out due to stress or other factors
Scarring Alopecia
Scarring alopecia is a less common type of hair loss in children, but it can be more serious and requires prompt medical attention. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Infections, such as bacterial or fungal infections of the scalp
- Autoimmune conditions, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Trauma to the scalp, such as burns or injuries
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of hair loss in children typically involves a physical examination and medical history, and may also involve laboratory tests or biopsies to rule out underlying conditions 2, 4, 5, 6. Treatment for hair loss in children depends on the underlying cause, but may include medications, such as corticosteroids or immunotherapy, or lifestyle changes, such as improving nutrition or reducing stress. In some cases, hair loss may be self-limiting and resolve on its own with time.