Finding A Doctor For Hair Loss In Children

When you are faced with a child who is suffering from hair loss it can be very difficult seek an accurate diagnosis. Hair loss in children can be extremely upsetting; young children can be especially affected emotionally by hair loss. The good news is that with the right diagnosis most cases of hair loss in children can be reversed. However a little knowledge beforehand will help you with getting the right help.

 Alopecia areata is a common cause of hair loss in children; children may experience circular bald patches overnight. Dermatologists usually treat hair loss in men and may be able to help you with hair loss in children. American Academy of Dermatology have a Physician Referral System, and this can be the best way for you to find a physician in your area who can help with your child’s hair loss. Look for physicians who specialize in alopecia, or hair loss to narrow down your search.

 Alopecia areata is another type of hair loss suffered by children that is characterized by one or more circular bald patches. A dermatologist should be able to rule put most causes of hair loss in children from the appearance of the scalp, the diagnosis of tinea capitis will be confirmed with the use of a Wood’s lamp test. The good news is that in 80% on cases the hair will grow back in a year’s time.
 You can usually get help finding the right doctor through your insurance company.

 Trauma to the hair or traction can also be a cause of hair loss in children. This condition is caused by hair styling such as teasing, constant washing and combing, tight hairstyles, and curling. Other sources of hair loss in children caused by traction include repeatedly rubbing against a bed or chemical burns. Be respectful when seeing a doctor, but be firm in insisting that tests be run.

 Throughout this process it is important that you talk to your child about everything that is happening. Hair loss in children can be a very traumatizing condition; it can also be very embarrassing. A doctor will take a medical history to diagnose the condition, though it is usually caused by stress. Addressing the cause of the anxiety that the child is experiencing is the best way to prevent further hair pulling from occurring, ignore the hair pulling itself.