Schedule An Appointment

Symptom Checker

Hair Loss in Children

Hair loss means a child is losing more hair than normal from part or all of the scalp. It may appear as one bald patch, several patches, broken hairs or overall thinning.

Fungal infection, alopecia areata, hair pulling, tight hairstyles and temporary shedding after illness or stress can all cause hair loss. Nutrition problems, medicines and other medical conditions are less common causes.

Call a nurse All symptoms

AAP Guide to Hair Loss in Children

The AAP guide below explains common causes of hair loss and when your child needs an exam.

AAP Symptom CheckerHair loss

If the Symptom Checker does not appear here

It is the American Academy of Pediatrics’ own tool and it loads from their site, so a lost connection or a content blocker leaves this space empty. Open it on HealthyChildren.org with the button below, or call your office and a nurse will answer.

Open on HealthyChildren.org

Symptom CheckerHair loss New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Hair loss has no clear explanation or is progressing quickly.
  • The scalp is scaly, red, painful or inflamed.
  • Your child has smooth bald patches or many broken hairs.
  • Hair loss comes with other symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss or illness.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your child has any life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on skin and rashes

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms