Patchy Hair Loss in Baby
The short answer
Patchy hair loss in babies is usually caused by friction from lying on the back (positional alopecia), a very common and harmless condition. Other causes include alopecia areata, scalp ringworm, or cradle cap. Positional hair loss fills in naturally as the baby spends more time sitting up.
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
By Age
What to expect by age
Many newborns lose their birth hair in the first few months, which is normal. Babies who sleep on their backs (as recommended for safe sleep) often develop a bald patch at the back of the head from friction. This is completely harmless and resolves as the baby grows.
The positional bald spot is often most noticeable at this age. Hair may also be thin if the baby rubs their head against the crib mattress. This is normal and not a sign of a nutritional problem. As tummy time and sitting increase, the friction-related hair loss will improve.
As babies sit up and spend less time on their backs, positional hair loss usually fills in. If new, well-defined round patches of hair loss appear without scaling or redness, alopecia areata should be considered and evaluated by your pediatrician.
Toddlers may develop hair loss from alopecia areata, tinea capitis (scalp ringworm), or hair-pulling habits (trichotillomania). If you notice new patches of hair loss that are not related to friction, or if the scalp in the bald area looks scaly or has black dots, have your pediatrician evaluate it.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- A bald spot at the back of the head from sleeping on the back that gradually fills in
- Normal shedding of newborn hair in the first few months
- Thinning of the overall hair that resolves as new hair grows in
- Well-defined round patches of complete hair loss appear
- Hair loss is accompanied by scaling, redness, or itching of the scalp
- Your child appears to be pulling out their own hair
- Hair loss with a swollen, boggy, tender scalp area suggesting a kerion from tinea capitis
- Widespread hair loss with other signs of illness such as fatigue or weight loss
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
Related Skin Concerns
Alopecia Areata in Babies
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing round, smooth patches of hair loss. While uncommon in babies, it can occur at any age. The condition is not painful or contagious. Many children experience spontaneous hair regrowth, though it may take months. Your pediatrician or dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis.
Scalp Ringworm (Tinea Capitis) in Baby
Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) is a fungal infection of the scalp that causes scaly patches, itching, and areas of hair loss. Unlike ringworm on the body, scalp ringworm requires oral antifungal medication because topical creams cannot penetrate the hair follicle adequately. The hair typically grows back fully after successful treatment.
Hair Loss with Cradle Cap
Mild hair loss around cradle cap areas is common and temporary. The scales can trap hair as they flake off, making it look like hair is falling out. Gentle treatment of cradle cap preserves the hair follicles, and hair grows back fully once the condition resolves. Avoid picking at scales, as aggressive removal can pull out more hair.
Baby Acne vs Eczema: How to Tell the Difference
Baby acne and eczema can both cause facial rashes, but they look and feel different. Baby acne appears as small red or white bumps, similar to teenage acne, usually on the cheeks, nose, and forehead. Eczema causes dry, rough, red, itchy patches. Baby acne resolves on its own by 3 to 4 months, while eczema may need ongoing management.
Baby Acne (Neonatal Acne)
Baby acne is a very common, harmless condition that appears as small red or white bumps on your newborn's face, usually around 2-4 weeks of age. It is caused by maternal hormones still circulating in your baby's system and clears up on its own within a few weeks to months without any treatment.
Athlete's Foot in Toddlers
True athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is actually uncommon in babies and toddlers but can occasionally occur in children who walk barefoot in moist communal areas. Peeling or dry skin on toddler feet is more often caused by juvenile plantar dermatosis (dry, cracked skin from friction) or eczema rather than a fungal infection.