Hair thinning in 5yr old

[Whatsupchuck]

Hi

I was just wondering if anyone has any experience of thinning hair in children. About 6mths ago my son developed an area on the back of his head where the hair looked thinner (not totally bald). I took him to the doctors (and since) but they have just fobbed me off because there is no sign of infection. I have since noticed areas on the side of his head which seem quite patchy too. In all other respects he is very healthy, energetic and eats well.

Any advice would be really appreciated

Thank you x

[Mrs TP]

I think you really have to push this with your GP. Not easy if they are not sympathetic. Or speak to your health visitor or ask his school if they have a nurse. Worrying for you especially as you not getting medical support for this matter but reassuring he is healthy in all other respects. Good luck.

[WorkingMummy]

I agree with Mrs TP. He's healthy, so not to worry, but something is going on with his scalp/hair and you need information and support.

When I felt unsupported over my children's skin problems, my sister (who is a GP) advised me to write to my children's named GP and/or the senior partner and say, "I've seen three of your doctors and they all say something different and I am confused about the children's care. Please can I have an appointment with you to discuss." This can have the effect of forcing them to give you some thought outside your 8 minute slot. Maybe if you did this, they would see that you cannot be fobbed off, and give you whatever information they have.

Obviously, your child is healthy and not in discomfort so all good. But hair loss is important at any age, and in a child it's naturally a worry, and at the very least you should request and get information on possible causes (even if the answer is that medical science does not know the cause) whether it is likely to self-correct and reverse, and whether there is anything you can do.

Good luck and keep asking them.

[WorkingMummy]

Ps I have post partum hair loss myself at the moment. I would be very worried about my own health if I did not know what the cause was, so I really understand, you must be very concerned for him. WM xxx