One of the very first things you notice about your little bundle of joy is how much hair they have or don’t have. It isn’t an uncommon thing to see a baby who is a few months old with not quite as much hair as they had the day they were born.
It is a normal process for babies to lose what is called “birth hair”. Birth hair is expected to fall off so that new strands can come through to create what will be a full head of hair. It may seem like it takes forever, but eventually they will get there.
What isn’t normal, however, is for a new baby to lose excessive amounts of hair with no regrowth. If this is happening, it could be signaling other health issues that will need to be addressed by your pediatrician.
Alopecia Areata
This is a skin condition by which your immune system attacks your hair follicles, leading to hair loss. This is not just localized on the scalp but also hair covering the body. You may notice hair loss in the eyelashes, eyebrows, and scalp initially. It can also cause slower hair growth when regrowth begins.
Thyroid Issues
Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are different diseases that can affect your thyroid functionality. If your baby’s thyroid is having an issue distributing the hormones from the thyroid, it could lead to hair loss as a symptom.
Thyroid issues are serious, as they can cause a wide variety of health issues for the child. If you notice the hair loss has any other accompanying symptoms such as lethargy, increased heart rate, pale complexion or failure to thrive, it may be time to speak to the child’s doctor for further testing.
Pituitary Gland Issues
If your baby has an underactive pituitary gland, they can develop a condition known as hypopituitarism. Hypopituitarism is a condition where your pituitary gland, located inside of your brain, does not produce enough hormone(s). Because of the lack of correct hormone distribution, it can lead to hair loss.
Hypopituitarism can be silent or asymptomatic for months or even years. Addressing even the first signs, such as hair loss, can save your baby a lot of trouble.
Over-Grooming
If you are putting hair accessories such as bows, ties, or bands in your baby’s hair, it could be causing the hair loss. Babies have fragile, fine strands of hair. If they undergo any physical damage from being bound too tightly or treated too aggressively, it could cause it to break off or fall out.
Tinea Capitas
This is a variation of ringworm infection. The infection can spread on the scalp, causing itchy, flaky lesions to form. Hair loss can happen as a side effect of the widespread infection. If you notice any redness or if your baby seems uncomfortable from itching, see a doctor.
Discuss Hair Loss with Their Pediatrician
healthyIf you are concerned about the hair loss, it is always best to consult concerns with your pediatrician. Other issues, such as cradle cap, excessive dandruff, and vitamin deficiencies, could also be to blame. Getting a diagnosis on the issue can put your mind at ease and help your baby’s hair grow again.
