When most people see a child with no hair, they often assume that the child has a form of cancer or other illness. However, although chemotherapy treatment for cancer does cause hair to fall out, it is not the only cause of children’s hair loss.

Some forms of hair loss in children are more temporary than others, but all can be diagnosed properly if you just keep calm and take your child to see your GP.

The following are a few of the most common causes of children’s hair loss:

• Ringworm (also known as tinea capitis when it occurs on the scalp) – this is a fungal infection which causes patches of hair loss, itchiness, inflammation and scaling on the scalp.

• Alopecia areata – another common cause of hair loss, this condition causes small spots or patches of baldness on the scalp. It is thought to be caused by a problem with the immune system.

• Trichotillomania – this is a condition in which the child feels the compulsive urge to pull out their own hair. It happens a lot amongst children, but most grow out of it given the proper attention.

• Telogen effluvium – like in adults, this is a condition triggered by stress, illness, fever or surgery. The stressful or traumatic event can cause more hair than normal to go into the resting phase, after which it falls out. However, the hair should grow back after six months or so.

Most people know alopecia to be a form of hair loss. However, what they don’t always know is that there are three main types of the condition – alopecia areata, alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis. But what is the difference between the three?

Alopecia areata

This is one of the most commonly reported types of hair loss, referring to bald patches or spots on the scalp.

Alopecia totalis

This is hair loss affecting the whole of the head, including eyelashes and eyebrows. It is a more advanced stage of alopecia areata, which progresses to totalis and universalis in around 1 – 2 per cent of cases.

Alopecia universalis

This term relates to hair loss all over the body, meaning that the entire epidermis is free from hair. It is the most severe form of alopecia areata, and as such is quite rare, occurring only in around 1 in 100,000 people.

Did you know…?

As well as the three types of alopecia outlined above, there are a couple of other ways alopecia can be classified. These include:

• Alopecia areata barbae – this is hair loss limited only to the male beard
• Alopecia areata multicularis – this refers to multiple areas or patches of hair loss
• Alopecia areata monocularis – one area of baldness, found in any location on the scalp

Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust have received a generous donation of two new innovative machines designed to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy treatment.

The Orbis Paxman machines have been donated by inspiration breast cancer charity Walk the Walk. They are portable, so can be used at both Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital.

The devices work by cooling the scalp and head before, during and after chemotherapy treatment. By lowering the temperature of the scalp, the hair follicles shrink and subsequently limit the effect of chemotherapy on hair. This can prevent or at least limit the kind of profuse hair loss usually caused by chemotherapy treatment.

Nina Barough, who is the founder and head of Walk the Walk, said:

“I know personally how much integrated care helped me on my journey through breast cancer so I am delighted that Walk the Walk has made this very special donation to Barnet and Chase Farm Hospital.

“It is extra special to be able to see our fundraising efforts go to such a worthwhile cause within our local area and I know women are going to benefit from the scalp cooling treatment.”

One of the first things women do when they notice their hair is thinning or falling out is to look for information and possible solutions. Improving your knowledge of hair loss in women can help you feel more in control of your situation, but only if you gather information from the right places. Here’s where to look:

• Your GP
Your family doctor is the first and best place you can go to get more information on female hair loss. Although not a specialist, your GP can start the process of diagnosing your condition and can also refer you to specialist dermatologists and trichologists.

• Hair loss clinics
Visit a reputable and well-known hair loss clinic for advice and guidance, or check out their websites. These clinics, staffed with people well-experienced in female hair loss, will be able to give you information about hair replacement techniques and how to manage your hair loss.

• The Internet
If you’re looking for medical advice, treat online websites with caution unless they are reputable (i.e. Bupa, the NHS). However, the Internet is a good place to get emotional support to help you cope with your condition. You can talk to other female hair loss sufferers via forums and discussions, so you needn’t feel alone in what you’re going through.

Female hair loss can have many causes, some of which have similar symptoms (apart from hair loss, obviously). It is extremely important to ensure that you are diagnosed properly and find out the exact cause of your hair loss, as only then can you receive effective treatment.

Androgenic alopecia and telogen effluvium are both conditions which cause hair to thin or fall out, and they are often mistaken for one another. The following is a little advice to help you figure out which of the conditions you actually have.

Telogen effluvium is different to androgenic alopecia in that it is often caused by hormonal changes and imbalances, such as pregnancy, the menopause or thyroid problems. As well as undergoing extensive blood tests to identify any hormonal imbalances, you should also try to recap the last year or so with the aim of recalling any traumatic or excessively stressful events or situations you’ve experienced.

If your blood tests come back negative and nothing traumatic has happened to you, the chances are your hair loss is caused by the hereditary condition known as androgenic alopecia. Unlike telogen effluvium, this condition is ongoing and permanent. However, you can find solutions to help you with hair loss management, such as human hair wigs or other hair replacement techniques.

Choosing the right wig for you if you suffer from thinning hair or hair loss depends on various factors, such as the look you are aiming for and, of course, the price you would like to pay.

Whilst synthetic wigs may at first view seem like a more affordable option, you need to take into account its durability or indeed how frequently you want to change your style.

Below are some points to consider when comparing the two types:

Human Hair Wigs
• As the hair is from human sources, the wig will always look more natural.

• The hair can be heat styled thus allowing a variety of looks.

• Each individual hair is chemically treated before the wig is created, making them much more durable than even natural hair.

• Hair can be coloured to match your natural hair and skin tone.

Synthetic Wigs
• Wigs made from man-made hairs are easier to manufacture and are therefore cheaper.

• The less you spend, the less the wig will resemble human hair.

• Synthetic hairs do retain their shape better after washing – human hair wigs need restyling after washing, just like growing hair.

• Synthetic wigs cannot be heat styled or change colour and so will remain as they have been produced by the factory.