As the baby enters the life of parents, there are many mysteries that parents resolve, the reason behind the crying of the baby, how much milk is enough for the baby, is baby poop normal, what to give the baby when starting solids, hair loss, etc. While this list is endless, and questions keep getting added to it as every baby is different. In this write-up, we will be focussing on hair loss, which is rarely a condition that many parents go through. Yet there have been instances that the parents have got worried due to the same.
Hair Loss In Babies: Why It Happens And How To Deal With It?
Hair loss can be quite disturbing as hair comes out when the parents use a comb in the hair. This is rather scary for them, so going ahead, we will have an insight into the causes for the hair fall of a baby, symptoms, the appropriate time for medical intervention, its cure, and prevention.
Why Does A Baby’s Hair Fall?
It is natural for some hair loss in babies in the initial six months after the birth of the baby. This is important as the shedding of the old hair paves the way for the growth of new ones. Yet, if the shedding of hair is persistent even after six months, with the quantity being too much than normal, then surely it is a cause of concern.
Given below are few causes that could lead to hair loss in new-born babies, and these are:
1. Persistent Friction:
The maximum time of the babies is spending in lying down either on the tummy or their back. Under this scenario, the head keeps getting exposed to the outside surface area, and persistent contact results in friction, and if it becomes acute, it can lead to hair loss, which is also referred to as alopecia. This resolves on its own as the baby becomes comfortable in sitting and sits more than lying down.
2. Infection In The Scalp:
Ringworms are another cause of hair loss in babies. It is more like a fungus spreading in the hair that can lead to baldness, and it could be circular patches in nature.
3. Allergies:
Allergies are very common reasons behind the hair loss of the baby. Many times, it has been seen that body oil is applied to the scalp of the baby, which might not suit him.
4. The Repetitive Tugging Of Hair:
In case the baby has the habit of keeping playing with the hair or pulling it off and on, it can even lead to hair loss.
5. Tight Hairstyles:
Tying or braiding the hair very tightly can even lead to loss of hair in toddlers as well as the babies. It is natural that tying the hair tight damages the follicles of the hair resulting in shedding and hair falling.
6. Illness And Stress:
Any type of stress or illness also tends to weaken the follicles leading to loss of hair. Diseases like cancer and chemotherapy are also a prime reason for the loss of hair in babies.
After going through the points mentioned above, one can see that the bases for hair loss are not one but many. Thus, it is mandatory to observe the indicators of loss in hair amid the infants to detect the true problem.
What Are The Indicators Of Hair Loss In Babies?
The Indicators Of Hair Loss In Babies
Even though all babies do not face the problem of hair loss, yet this could show in many. Since there are not one but many causes, it becomes important to be vigilant and watch out for the symptoms as it could indicate a serious issue as well.
Given below are a few of the indicators of acute hair loss that happens with babies as well as toddlers. Some of them are
a) If The Quantity Of Hair Strands Is Too Much:
The first and the prime indicator for hair loss is the existence of too many hair strands in the baby’s comb. In case this number is exceeding than usual, medical intervention is required.
b) Hair Strands In every Part Of The Toys And Cribs:
The hair found on toys, prams, cribs are another indicator of hair loss.
c) Shedding Of Hair When Running Fingers Within Them:
In a situation, where fingers are run within the hair strands, and a thick quantity of hair keeps coming out, it is another symptom, and this is visible under cancer or its therapy.
d) Big Bald Circular Patch On The Scalp:
In case the parents notice large circular bald patches on the scalp, it could be an indicator of hair loss. This is most familiar in the case of fungal infections.
e) Inflamed Scalp:
If the scalp of the baby shows red with flaky yellow skin coming off while combing the hair, it could be a sign of eczema, also referred to as dermatitis.
Do You Have To Take The Baby To A Doctor For Hair Loss?
The problem of loss in hair with babies, even though not very common, is not always a medical concern. Yet, one needs to know the right time to consult a medical practitioner for the same. It is important to know that in case of no health issues with the baby except hair loss, the need for the doctor does not arise.
In case the baby shows any of these signs besides hair loss, the medical intervention becomes necessary. Some of the signs that one needs to look for are:
- Scalp itchiness
- Fever
- Inflammation and swelling
- Thinning of hair due to hair loss.
- Cracked or flaky scalp shedding off with combing.
- Pimples at the areas where hair sheds off
- Low desire to eat
The doctor would then recommend the necessary treatment as per the signs that are showing in the baby.
How Is Hair Loss In Babies Treated?
Hair Loss In Babies Treated
In case the hair loss shows acute signs, the doctor advises treatment for the same. This treatment, however, will be dependent on the cause analysis behind the problem. Observing the scalp, your child’s doctor can detect the main reason behind the hair fall or loss. The treatment can be done by various means; some of them are discussed as under:
- Use Of Medicated And Safe Shampoos: In case the doctor is suspecting any scalp infection, they recommend applying some medicated shampoo that can help remove all impurities or pathogens from the scalp of the baby, which could have resulted in hair loss.
- Application Of Lotions, Oils, As Well As Creams: In case the child is suffering from scalp eczema, then the doctor can recommend creams to suppress the inflammation and even oils or lotions that prevent the cracking of the scalp, preventing loss of hair.
- Anti-Fungal Medicines, As Well As Ointments: The application of ointments and medicines that are anti-fungal can treat some infections like ringworms in babies. In acute cases, though, the doctor will advise oral medications as well.
How To Prevent Hair Loss In Babies?
Hair loss could be due to many reasons. Some of them could be normal, while others could be acute and need medical intervention as well. Though there are not too many measures that can be taken for preventing loss of hair in babies who are six months or less yet, the process can be slowed down by taking these measures, and they are as below:
- Shampoo The Hair Occasionally: It is important to keep shampooing the hair of the baby from time to time with a shampoo that is safe for the baby. Find out eight best shampoos for your baby here.
- Never Tightly Tie The Baby’s Hair: By tying the hair tightly, the follicles of the hair can become weak and start breaking as well, resulting in hair loss. Use the hairbands safe for babies.
- Preserve Proper Hygiene: Infections caused by a fungus spread by getting in contact with dirty towels or clothes, so it is important to wash your baby’s clothes in warm water. Remember to use the disinfectants designed for the babies. It is even important to keep the hands clean by washing with soap and water once done playing outside as it helps in preventing fungal infections.
- Keep A Check On The Allergies: Allergies can even lead to skin and scalp inflammation, and symptoms for allergies can be breathing difficulty, skin hives, etc.
Thus, Loss of hair is an issue that rarely leaves an effect on the health of the baby, but its cause at times could even be an acute one. It is very rare that it needs medical assistance, but still, if more symptoms persist with hair loss, medical consultation is a must. With the growth of the baby, they end up having thicker, stronger, and permanent hair, which has fewer chances of falling.
