Chemotherapy-Related Hair Loss (Alopecia) in Children
The healthcare provider will ask about your child's chemotherapy treatment and hair loss symptoms. He or she will examine your child’s scalp and hair. In some cases, the healthcare provider may do a pull test. He or she will grasp 20 to 60 hairs and pull gently but firmly. This is done to see how many hairs pull out. More than 10% of the hairs pulling out is a common sign of hair loss caused by chemotherapy. The roots of the hairs may be checked under a microscope. This is to see what stage of growth they are in.
You will need to make sure your child's head is protected from sun and cold. You can apply sunscreen to your child's scalp or he or she can wear a hat or scarf. For dryness or itchiness, you can use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. You can also apply cream or lotion to your child's scalp.Depending on your child's age and personality, hair loss can be very upsetting. A young child may not be bothered by hair loss. But a school age child or teen may be very upset.You can help to manage your child's hair loss. You and your child may want to try the following:
- Make sure your child understands that his or her hair will grow back.
- Help your child decide what he or she wants to do about hair loss. Consider cutting the hair before if falls out, shaving the head, getting a wig, or wearing hats or scarves.
- Wash hair less often than normal. Use a gentle moisturizing shampoo.
- For teens, don’t use harsh chemicals on the hair, such as hair colors.
- Don’t use curling irons, blow dryers, flat irons, or curlers.
- Hair loss is a common side effect of many chemotherapy medicines.
- Hair loss may start 2 or 3 or more weeks after your child's first or second chemotherapy treatment.
- You will need to make sure your child's head is protected from sun and cold.
- Hair loss can be very upsetting to a child, depending on age.
- Hair usually begins to grow again about 2 to 3 months after your child's last treatment.
- You and your child can work together to help manage hair loss.
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
- Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
- Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
- At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
- Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.
- Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.
- Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
- Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
- If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
- Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.
Updated:  
May 07, 2018
Sources:  
Hair Evaluation Methods: Merits and Demerits. Rachita Dhurat and Punit Saraogi. Int J Trichology. 2009 Jul-Dec;1(2):108-19. , Diagnosing and Treating Hair Loss. Sean W. Reed, Anne L. Mounsey. Am Fam Physician. 2009 Aug 15;80(4):356-62.
Reviewed By:  
Levy, Adam S, MD,Sather, Rita, RN