Causes of Slow Hair Growth in Toddlers

Overview

Some toddlers are born with a full head of thick locks, however others keep a streamlined, bald scalp well into their toddler years. Most of the times, toddlers with little or no hair are completely healthy, however persistent baldness might suggest an underlying medical condition. A certified health care provider ought to examine any toddler who is experiencing consistent loss of hair or no hair growth. If the pediatrician suspects that a medical condition is accountable, the toddler might be described an expert for additional assessment.

Genetics

Some toddlers are genetically predisposed to slow hair development. Dr. Bud Zukow, author of “Baby: An Owner’s Manual,” reports that Caucasian babies are especially prone to prolonged baldness. Many babies of European descent will have little or no hair till age two or later.

Infant Hair Loss

Dr. Alan Greene notes on DrGreene.com that the majority of toddlers will have two “crops” of hair during early stage. In some toddlers, the 2nd crop might not show up till early toddlerhood.

Fungal Infection

According to HairLossTalk.com, the website of a support system for individuals dealing with significant loss of hair or failed hair development, fungal infections might cause hair loss in toddlers. Tinea capitis, a type of ringworm, can cause a toddler to lose much of the hair on the back of her scalp. Severe cases of seborrhea, or cradle cap, can also add to hair loss in toddlers.

Alopecia Areata

This autoimmune condition causes toddlers to lose circular spots of hair on the scalp; it ultimately results in overall baldness. Toddlers with alopecia areata might start showing symptoms during early stage or toddlerhood. Alopecia areata is untreatable, but hair might grow back within one year. Toddlers with this uncommon condition normally use wigs to odd baldness.

Traction Alopecia

HairLossTalk.com reports that traction alopecia is a very common cause of loss of hair in toddlers, especially girls. Regular styling can cause a toddler’s hair to fall out, causing baldness and bad hair development. Parents need to avoid styling or brushing a toddler’s hair frequently.

Nutritional Deficiences

Dr. Alan Greene notes that severe nutritional deficiencies can often cause baldness or bad hair development in babies and toddlers. Severe cases of iron, zinc and protein deficiency may be responsible for baldness in toddlers, however these issues are uncommon in the industrialized world.