Hair loss/thinning (hairline/nape) in toddler

[NutsAndMay]

Hello - has anyone seen similar to this? It’s been thin around the hairline for about a year, I was watching and waiting as I had some hair loss myself which has now regrown and I think may have been iron deficiency or post-Covid. DD’s is less pronounced now with some more fine hairs than in the picture but certainly still a noticeable difference along the hairline underneath, very wispy and thin. No other symptoms as far as I can tell - doesn’t seem to be itchy, no pulling, and she’s on a multivit with iron in case it was that. Help!

Just bumping in the hope of some responses…

I'd ask for a blood test to check iron and B12 levels. My DC was on a multivit and turned out to be severely anemic.

Are you sure there's no pulling? Could be happening in her sleep.

Thanks @Floppyfrog - I’ve been low in iron and B12 myself before so I guess it’s pretty likely. The levels in a multivit are nowhere near enough if there’s a real deficiency I suppose. I’m fairly sure there’s no pulling, she sleeps with us half the time and I’ve never noticed anything. There’s a lot off kicking and wriggling though…!

Did you find out any answer? Going through the same with my son & massive anxious about it all xx

I didn’t (yet) @Neesh01 We had a blood test and nothing of note showed up. GP said it was a form of alopecia areata but you can’t know from that what will happen next, or really do much for a child. We’re still waiting (8 months in) on a referral to the hospital paediatric dermatologist. Thankfully doesn’t seem to be getting worse, and the hair that is at the forehead and nape of neck is getting a bit longer, but those areas are still noticeably thinner. Since it’s been nearly 2 years now I don’t suppose it’ll grow back. We just use hairstyles that cover it - easier with a girl who can wear long plaits. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this too, it’s so stressful.

Sorry to hear that. We went through the same with our D (triggered by the HPV jab at 13y). We were told the NHS waiting list for a Dermatologist would be over a year so ended up paying privately.. which was horrendously expensive. I'm not sure if the treatment worked or whether her hair would've grown back anyway, but within the next six months, it all started growing back. I feel for you as it is very stressful and I still worry every time she has a vaccine. Lots of luck x