6 Common Types of Hair Loss in Infants

Not only do some youngsters and even young babies lose their hair, but some adults also do. Many parents worry about this. This is a common occurrence, and almost all parents have witnessed their baby’s hair loss.

Parents frequently take their infants to the hospital to observe hair loss, where they watch as their child’s hair gradually thins out while expressing great concern. There will also be the following queries: Is your baby’s hair loss caused by a lack of calcium? Lack of vitamins and trace elements? They may also have ringworm. Of course, the biggest worry is whether the baby’s hair will continue to grow.

The physiological and pathological aspects of baby hair loss are discussed in this article. We will know what to do when our infant loses hair after reading this post.

Baby hair loss is a normal phenomenon

Almost every newborn has hair thinning in the upper portion of the neck and the back of the head starting approximately two months after birth. Hair loss is a reasonably frequent physiological occurrence in the growth process of babies. There is no reason for parents to be unduly anxious.

Because the newborn hair’s roots are still loosely attached to the skin, when a baby sleeps, the pressure of their head rubbing against their scalp can result in a significant area of hair loss in the baby’s occipital region. Even though this friction doesn’t happen often, it can still result in loose hair loss.

Most newborn hair loss is a normal physiological event, and by the time the child is 2 years old, their hair will usually be thick again. Some babies experience pathological hair loss, and when this occurs, it is important to take the baby to the hospital for an evaluation so that the cause may be determined. The proper course of action can be followed.

Six common types of hair loss in infants

Pathological and physiological hair loss in infants can be categorized, with physiological hair loss typically being more prevalent.

Physiological hair loss

Most newborns undergo severe hair loss between three and five months after being born when they are taken out of their mother’s womb.

This is because, shortly after birth, the majority of hair follicles outside of the mother’s body quickly transition from the growth phase to the resting phase. As a result, a new hair usually begins to develop from the baby’s hair follicles around the age of 8 to 10 months. Because of this, it is often referred to as “infantile resting hair loss.”

The newborn has black hair at birth, which gradually turns yellow, and by four or five months after birth, diffuse hair loss has started. This is how this form of hair loss is identified.

Most cases of this type of hair loss can be resolved naturally because it is typically physiological and does not need to be treated. The precise timing and pattern of this hair development and loss in children is influenced by various variables, including the infant’s nutritional health, gender, race, heredity, and delivery circumstances (premature, normal, cesarean, etc.).

Pathological hair loss

1. Nutritional deficiencies cause baby hair loss

Hair loss in newborns and children can result from nutritional deficiencies such as wasting, severe malnutrition, zinc insufficiency, iron deficiency, and other dietary diseases. Occipital baldness can result from a calcium deficit, accompanied by other symptoms such as night terrors, irritability, a rise in alkaline phosphatase, and a drop in blood calcium. The hospital should check this out, and supplements for different nutrients should be given as soon as possible.

2. Nervousness and anxiety cause baby hair loss

Life’s stresses are not just experienced by grownups. Babies older than three months old who experience significant levels of psychological stress or persistent mental tension may also have hair loss. When combing or washing the hair, a lot of hair will fall out, and there won’t be any partial baldness, but there will be a general impression of less and less hair.

3. Various skin diseases cause baby hair loss

Children who have tinea capitis and other skin conditions may have hair loss. A fungal infection of the hair and outer layers of the scalp known as tinea capitis also causes localized pustular ringworm, red skin patches, and hair loss. One of the main causes of hair loss in children is tinea capitis, which requires antibiotic treatment in a standard hospital.

4. Other immune and metabolic diseases cause baby hair loss

Additionally, certain immunological and metabolic issues can result in hair loss. Baldness and thyroid disease are strongly associated, and lupus erythematosus can result in scalp erythema and skin disintegration, which leads to hair loss.

5. Congenital hair loss disorders

Some hereditary hair loss problems can affect some children. An autosomal recessive condition, this kind of alopecia is frequently characterized by extreme baldness. These signs indicate that you should take your infant to the hospital for additional testing.

What to do for infant hair loss?

It is crucial to identify the kind of hair loss before treating it separately. In general, children’s physiological hair loss doesn’t need to be treated. In addition, if the infant has pathological hair loss, parents should send the kid to the hospital as soon as possible for additional testing and carry out scientific and methodical therapy as directed by the doctor to ensure the baby’s hair will grow out normally.

Daily hair care for babies

1. Wash your baby’s hair regularly

Keep your baby’s head dry and clean, and wash their hair frequently. Babies’ metabolism and pace of growth and development are both very rapid, and as a result, a lot of scalp oil is also secreted. Parents should choose to use baby shampoo and not force the infant to scratch his or her scalp before rinsing the area thoroughly.

2. Choose the right pillow

We must carefully choose infant and children’s products because there are many differences between babies and grownups. A practical choice is to locate a reputable wholesaler of children’s apparel. To prevent skin infections on your baby’s head, which can result in hair loss, choose a soft, breathable, intermediate-height cushion for your baby. Keep your baby’s head dry, and when you see that it is sweating, parents should promptly replace the pillow.

3. More sunshine

Bring your infant outside frequently to enjoy the sunshine. Because the sun’s UV rays can induce the body to produce its own vitamin D, which can facilitate calcium absorption.

4. Ensure adequate nutrition for your baby

To ensure that their children receive appropriate nutrition for their physical growth, parents should encourage their children to consume more fresh produce, including vegetables, fruits, fish, soy products, and other nutrient-dense foods. They should also work to obtain a varied diet.

5. Maintain the appropriate temperature

Typically, parents should take care to keep the room at the proper temperature. Additionally, a baby may sweat if the room temperature is too high, which will make the baby feel uncomfortable and is also a risk factor for pressure alopecia and other disorders.

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