Baldness is a loss of hair either in one spot or over the entire scalp. Some infants are born bald or nearly so and develop a full head of hair during their first two years. Rarely do babies born bald remain bald for life. Other babies are born with a full head of hair. They may remain that way, or their original hair may be replaced by a second and permanent growth. Rarely is hair lost during infancy and never replaced.
Infants commonly rub off a band of hair in the back against the crib or playpen mat. Hair that is rubbed off in this way will grow back. Drawing the hair tightly into pigtails, braids, or ponytails also may result in temporary bald spots. Children with the habit of twisting and playing with strands of hair may also lose hair. Emotionally disturbed children may pull out their hair by the handfuls (trichotillomania); this condition requires treatment of the child’s emotional problems.
Alopecia areata is a condition which results in the sudden appearance of round or oval areas that are totally bare. The bald scalp may be completely normal in appearance or slightly pink. Although temporary, the condition may last for months or years. Rarely is the entire head involved. The cause is unknown.
Ringworm of the scalp produces scattered bald spots. The scalp is scaly, and the bald spots are studded with broken-off stubbles of hair.
Hereditary baldness occurs primarily in males. It causes baldness at the temples or the top of the scalp. Occasionally this type of baldness starts during adolescence.
Teenagers often complain that they are “going bald” when they see loose hair after combing. Usually this condition is merely a normal thinning of the hair that does not worsen.
Malfunction of the parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism) may result in scattered baldness. The disease is accompanied by other signs of illness.
Impetigo and other infections of the scalp produce temporary bald spots.
Inspect the scalp closely for signs of ringworm or infection. Look for broken or re-growing hairs. Watch to see if the child is rubbing the head against the playpen or crib, or if the child has a habit of twisting or pulling the hair.
Home care
Alopecia areata is treated with patience and time. Hereditary and congenital baldness (baldness present at birth) are treated with understanding and love; a hairpiece may be helpful.
Precautions
• Do not treat baldness with over-the-counter (OTC) preparations that promise growth of hair.
• Do not consult cosmetologists. See a qualified dermatologist.
Medical treatment
Alopecia areata is sometimes successfully treated with steroids either applied to the skin or locally injected. Hyperparathyroidism must be diagnosed by blood tests; it is treated with prescribed doses of vitamin D and a special diet.
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