Patient's question:
My child is 4 years old and has been experiencing severe hair loss recently. Is it because of a deficiency? Should I get this checked?Doctor's answer:
Hello, the most common cause of hair loss in children is a fungal infection of the scalp, known as tinea. It leads to circular, patchy hair loss on the scalp. The affected skin appears pink or grayish, with scales and severe itching. Another condition that causes temporary hair loss in children is alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is a type of circular patchy hair loss that occurs suddenly within a few months. Some children develop hair loss due to involuntary movements or behavioral disorders of the spirit, such as scratching their scalp and pulling out hair. This condition is called Tourette syndrome, and it becomes more severe when the child is focused on something.