Children’s Hair Loss
Clinic – 0207 404 0072 — Advice/emergency line – 07881 648 674
The Holborn children’s hair loss clinic established in 1964 specialises in hair loss in children of all ages. So, if your child is suffering hair loss or a scalp issue give call us. Speak with a trichologist on our advice/emergency line. Alternatively, book a consultation in person or virtual by completing the contact form of giving us a ring.
Children’s hair loss is devastating for the child and the parents of course. Being a parent myself I understand the frustration when your child is unwell and we feel helpless. Its important to remember when dealing with hair loss in an adult or child, that there is always a reason.
Consultation either virtual or in person
We specialise in all types of children’s hair loss and scalp ailments, viz: Alopecia Areata, Telogen Effluvium, Traction Alopecia, Trichotillomania, Ringworm, hair shaft defects and many more. We also treat itchy scalp conditions, viz: Psoriasis, Pityriasis, Eczema, Dandruff and many more. Correct Diagnosis is needed before you can treat a hair loss condition. So that’s where we come in. A simple visit to the clinic and you can rest assured that you are in safe hands.
The Key to successfully treating children’s hair loss.
Knowing what your child is suffering is the key to establishing a method of treating the ailment. This page offers some information on some of the main issues surrounding children’s hair loss. If you would like to speak with a specialist then feel free to give us a ring. You can speak with a trichologist in person on the phone or of course at the clinic for a consultation. Just fill in the contact form above or give us a ring and we will get back to you shortly.
GP
Maybe you have been to see your GP? I’m sure that most of you have tried this. Unfortunately, your GP probably has limited knowledge of hair loss and itchy scalp conditions. Also treatment is limited. Perhaps some sort of steroid cream or shampoo. So what next? How can we help? The GP is the medical lead therefore, we contact them and advise on what your child is suffering. This of course helps with any investigation that is needed such as blood tests etc.
Mr Edward Stevens
Licensed Trichologist TTS Reg
Children’s Hair Loss Growth
Did you know that a healthy adult will lose approx. 100-120 hairs per day. The hair cycle in a healthy human is on average 5-7 years. In other words our hair doesn’t continuously grow. So, for the first few years of life the hair grows in its first phase hence the loss tends to be much less. So as a parent, if you see change in the thickness of your child’s hair then advice should be sought at the earliest opportunity.
I will add that most hair loss in children is temporary. However, please don’t just leave it and see how it goes. Did you know that we have 3 months of hair waiting at any one time to fall? Have a look a little lower down the page at the stages of hair growth and fall.
The following conditions with brief outline are the most common causes of hair loss children.
Phone Consultation
Are worried about children’s hair loss? you can give us a ring and speak with a trichologist in person. You probably have a lot of questions and concerns. If you have had blood tests it would be useful to have the results in front of you. Also if you have any images of you Childs hair that would be a great help. We can give you a phone number to send them to or by email. They will of course be destroyed once viewed and totally confidential. We hope to speak with you soon. Thank you.
Children’s Hair Loss Consultation
If you would like to arrange a consultation with a children’s hair loss specialist at the Holborn Clinic then please give us a ring or complete the contact page above or to the bottom of the page. Let us know of a time that would suit you and we will try and fit you in. A consultation is with the parent or parents as well and we will talk you through everything that we do. Examination of the hair and scalp is done in a gentle and fun way to put the child at ease.
Thank you.
Common conditions Children’s hair Loss
Ringworm
Tinea Capitis (ringworm) – Tinea referring to “ringworm” and Capitas referring to the scalp region, is a fungal infection of varied severity. Symptoms include scaling, irritation, a circular patch with an inflamed border with hair breakage. Children’s hair loss is usually temporary. Most noteworthy, ringworm is highly contagious.
Children aged 3-10 years are more susceptible. A highly contagious condition that can transmit through touch alone. Take care at schools with coats and hats making sure other children don’t wear them. This is the same with hair brushes, combs, pillows and bath towels. Children’s hair loss in likely to occur.There are two main types of infection:
Ectothrix – Ecto referring to outside – ringworm spores attack the hair shaft and cause it to break at skin level leaving a characteristic black dot on the skin. The black dot shows the broken hair point, which appears as stubble. You can also have irritation and scaling. Furthermore the outside circular edge often appears red and inflamed.
Endothrix – Endo referring to inside or under. Endothrix is considered more severe than Ectothrix. The spores attack the hair follicle under the skin which leaves the skin inflamed and hair loss usually follows.
Kerion
A kerion can form as part of an Endothrix ringworm infection. A kerion is a blister type formation of varying size thats forms due to the build up of ringworm spore bacteria in the hair follicle. This can be very uncomfortable and will require medical attention from your GP should be sought, soon as possible.
Children’s Hair Loss & Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata is a highly unpredictable autoimmune skin disease that will cause hair loss in children. Presenting itself as circular patches of hair loss. Typically, a patch will be the size of a 50p but this can much bigger and patches can join together. Its advisable to seek professional advise if bald spots appear in the scalp. Alopecia can regrow in time without the need for treatment, however treatment may assist to speed up the recovery process.
Furthermore Alopecia Areata can lead to Alopecia Totalis (total loss of scalp hair), Alopecia Universalis (total loss of body hair).
Alopecia Ophiasis – also known as Serpentine (snake like) presenting hair loss in a snake like formation affects the lower edge of the hair. Hair loss travels around the base of the scalp and is more difficult to treat.
Children’s Hair Loss & Traction Alopecia
Children’s hair loss resulting from certain hair styling techniques especially affecting afro hair. Examples of hair styles that may lead to traction hair loss include: cane rows, plaits, tight ponytails and the most common cause being hair extension. Extensions add a huge weight to the existing hair resulting in almost certain epilation in time. Hair may regrow however, traction hair loss children will eventually lead to permanent hair loss. Treatment may be administered in certain cases.
Trichotillomania – The pulling out of one’s hair. There are many theories that suggest that this is a psychological condition, however attention seeking of often the case. Symptoms include: total loss of telogen hair (hair in the resting phase), leaving short stubble which is too short for the child to pull. Localised regions of hairloss often found in regions easily assessable to the child. Like traction hairloss, the hair will regrow, but failure to stop the pulling with result in permanent hair loss.
Trichokryptomania – The patient twists and manipulates the hairs. Normally a habit that results is hair breakage.
There are of course lots of other hair loss children conditions. So if your child is showing signs of hair loss, give us a call. We can help.
The stages of Hair Growth in brief
Anagen – This is the growth phase of the hair cycle. The hair grows for around 5-7 years. Of course some hair cycles last longer.
Catagen – So when a hair get to the end of its life a new hair follicle is formed below, forcing the hair into a transition phase which lasts a couple of weeks. During this time the hair is no longer nourished or pigmented.
Telogen – Now the hair sits and waits to fall. This phase lasts for around 3 months.
Exogen – This is when the hair sheds
FAQ
Q – How long does it take to grow a new hair?
A – It takes around 6 weeks or more for a new hair to form and to show through the skin.
Q – Will I lose all my hair if I have Alopecia Areata
A – It is unlikely that Alopecia Areata will lead to Totalis or Universalis.
Q – My daughter is losing hair around the edge of the scalp really fast. Is this a problem?
A – There are a number of reasons why this is happening. To name a few, Serpentine Alopecia which is part of the group of Alopecia conditions, or traction loss due to hair styling. However, there are several other possible reasons. It would be advisable to see a specialist as soon as possible.
Q – My hair dresser said my daughter has Alopecia Areata. What can I do?
A – Firstly, its is unlikely that your hairdresser is qualified to give such an opinion. So seeking a professionals opinion would be the best advice.
Q – What is Alopecia Areata in Children’s Hair Loss
A – Alopecia Areata is a highly unpredictable autoimmune skin disease. So this is the immune system recognising the hairs as a problem creating a barrier. Subsequently, the hairs are forced out. The hairs fall in circular patches.
Q – Is there a cure for Alopecia Areata
A – It is well known that there is no cure for this disease. However, with many years of treating such cases the key is to know the reason and treat the cause. Yes there are some treatments that can assist and the hair may grow back on its own. So, my advice is always to seek professional advice. A good professional wont be focused on treatment, but will look into the cause.
Q – how common is Alopecia Areata
A – well, i remember when i first qualified around 25 years ago, the stats show that around 3-4% of the population were affected by Alopecia Areata. Nowadays knowing the genetic predisposition, this number will be a lot higher and it will only increase.
Q – My doctor says there is no reason to go a see a trichologist. There is nothing I can do for my daughter with Alopecia Areata?
A – Well i would say that depends on the GP. Most GPs will have a basic knowledge of hair loss and the reasons associated. A trichologist is a specialist in hair loss. Having helped numerous patients I would say there is every reason to visit a qualified trichologist. Perhaps next time you have a tooth ache you will go and see your GP?
Q – My son has some bald spots appearing on his head. What could it be?
A – Ok, so, this again is not an easy one to answer without seeing the patient. Alopecia Areata is one of the more common conditions along with ringworm. However, there are many others possible ailments. Please seek advice as the earliest opportunity. Children’s Hair Loss is complicated and professional advice is always advised.
Q – Should I go and see my GP first or come to you?
A – Well this is a decision for you.
Q – Ive been told my son has ringworm. What should I do?
A – Ok so seeking a professionals advice to determine a diagnosis is the first step.
Q – Is ring worm contagious?
A – Yes it is highly contagious
Q – Should I be gentle with washing my daughter hair as she is losing so much?
A – Being gentle will not stop the hair falling. In fact it is more likely to aggravate as the skin may well suffer as a result.