Posted on July 8, 2010.
Childhood Hair Loss Caused by Chemotherapy and Trichotillomania Hair loss can be a very devastating disease for most people. This is not only ridiculous, but also invoke UN acceptance and too many emotional scars. Imagine having to introduce these disturbing society norms to a child! There could be nothing more upsetting for a child to know that he is different and the world would not let him in. good
The conditions that normally cause hair loss in children are Trichotillomania and alopecia due to exposure to radiation chemo. Although children may have fewer problems when it comes to hair loss compared to socially active adults, yet they are not resistant to the looks and snickers.
There are few studies that have been made in which children are encouraged to make their own choices and decisions when it comes to their hair loss. Parents have no right to impose what they want on their children, such as requiring them to wear hats or to compel the public to visit (even if the child does not).
Some children can be comfortable going out in public, even if they do not have a full head of hair. These children may not be in complete agreement with their condition, but simply prefer a natural look and do nothing. Some children are more sensitive to the strange looks they choose to wear a hat, hair prosthetics (or wigs) and some even wear scarves. Regarding the wigs, there are now custom products that can be carried by children.
Hair loss caused by chemotherapy
The children undergoing radiation chemotherapy needlessly suffer the loss of hair as well. The good thing about this is, after one or two months of last chemotherapy session, the patient is expected to grow his hair back. Hair growth may be somewhat slower than normal growth of hair but the fact is comforting, this condition is not permanent.
Parents can support their child's emotional and asked what he prefers to do with her hair. In addition, the oncologist often has an idea where to go for consultation hair loss.
Loss of hair due to Trichotillomania
Sometimes children are suffering from a condition where they are not able to control hair pulling. Due to this uncontrollable action, a huge amount of hair is often lost. Trichotillomania was considered a rare disease in the past but recently, physicians have increasingly diagnosed with this disease (1% of the total population of the United States).
Patients with this condition should know that they are not alone. In fact, there are learning centers whose purpose is to educate patients on the TMT to do and how to treat it. TMD is a bit like nail biting or skin picking is a serious disease if left untreated.
Hair loss caused by TMT can not be treated with the use of topical ointments or creams usual. It is better to deal with the underlying psychological factor so that the hair pulling would cease and hair loss is stopped. He advised the patient to undergo psychotherapy and take anti-depressants.
The parents of these children must be emotionally and patient. Whether the hair loss is caused by chemotherapy or TTM, the results could still be socially demoralizing.
