Hair Loss in Adolescent
Howard LeWine, M.D., is Chief Medical Editor at Harvard Health Publishing and an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School.
Question:
What might cause hair loss in a 12 year old male? Is hair loss common in pre-teen boys?
Answer:
Hair loss in pre-teen boys can occur from many factors, including normal shedding of hair, fungal infection, trauma or stress to hair follicles, or a condition called alopecia areata.
Fungal infection of the scalp (tinea capitis) is a common condition. It produces white, scaling patches on the scalp and stubble-like broken hairs within the patches. The scalp may itch. Sometimes a moist, sore swelling called a kerion may develop. Sharing combs and brushes can spread the infection to others.
Trauma or stress to hair follicles can cause hair loss. Tightly braided hair or hair pulled back in a pony tail often results in patches of hair loss (traction alopecia) along the front hairline. Habits such as twirling, twisting, or pulling hair (trichotillomania) can result in the loss of large clumps of hair.
Alopecia areata is caused by the body's own immune cells attacking the hair follicles. Circles of hair loss appear on the scalp. The scalp appears smooth and shiny, without hair growth in these areas.
Stress can result in the shedding of more hair than usual. Medical conditions such as anemia, thyroid problems, or syphilis can cause hair loss, as well as certain medications.
If a pre-teen boy has hair loss, it is important to see a doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment.
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