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Losing hair and decreased appetite

My 2 year old has recently (in the past few days) started losing his hair. It is like he is shedding. He also has a decreased appetite and hardly eats his lunch or dinner. I am wondering what might be wrong.

Thank you for your help!

Amy
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replied September 22nd, 2009
I'm not sure that I have a ready explanation without more details. However, hair loss is a somewhat common problems in children. It can be normal or not normal. I think that ultimately you will need to review your concerns with his pediatrician to help get a better sense of the cause. His complaints may or not all be related.

The most common cause for childhood hair loss occurs up to several months after some kind of precipitating event ( a condition called telogen effluvium), The event can be anyting from a significant stress event, acute illness, or recovery from a more chronic condition. Keep this information in mind when you relate the history to your pediatrician.

Hair loss can be diffuse (all over the scalp) or more localized. Localized hair loss may be associated with an autoimmune condition known as alopecia areata or some type of topical fungal infection. This will be an important clue as you speak with his pediatrician.

His other "constitutional complaints" - loss of appetite may or may not have bearing on your situation. They may suggest disorder in thyroid, disorders in the digestive system, or disorders in the kideny.

Again, a good history and physical examination by your pediatrician will help shed more light on this area. I hope you find the answer.


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