Scalp Problems and Hair Loss: When to Seek Care

An independent educational resource prepared by Mark M. Simonian, MD, FAAP

Sources checked: August 8, 2026     |     Medical review completed: August 8, 2026

This page is for general education only and does not replace individualized medical advice. This resource does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. For questions about your own child, contact your child's current healthcare professional.

Magnolia Pediatrics, Valley Children's Healthcare

2497 E. Herndon Avenue, Suite 101, Clovis, CA 93611     |     559-538-3070

Flaking, itch, and temporary shedding are common. Patchy hair loss, broken hairs, scalp pain, pus, or swelling may signal an infection or another condition that needs medical assessment.

Urgent Warning Signs - Check This First

Most scalp problems are not emergencies. Fever, spreading painful redness, swelling around the eye or face, or a child who looks ill needs prompt care.

CALL 911 NOW

  • A severe allergic reaction with trouble breathing or swallowing, facial swelling, collapse, or blue or gray color

GET EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE NOW

  • Rapidly spreading red, hot, painful scalp or facial swelling with fever or a child who appears significantly ill

  • Severe head injury with concerning symptoms, rather than a simple scalp rash or hair concern

CONTACT YOUR CHILD'S HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL TODAY

  • Patchy hair loss, broken hairs, scaly bald areas, crusts, sores, pus, painful swelling, or swollen neck glands

  • Hair loss that is sudden, widespread, persistent, or associated with fatigue, weight change, rash, fever, or a new medicine

  • Scalp itching or flaking that persists despite gentle care, or concern for lice, ringworm, psoriasis, eczema, or hair pulling

Common Patterns

  • Newborn hair shedding and a rubbed spot on the back of an infant’s head are common and typically grow back

  • Dandruff may cause mild flaking and itch without hair loss

  • Scalp ringworm can cause scale, broken hairs, black dots, bald patches, crusts, or inflammation. It is contagious and needs prescription oral antifungal treatment

  • Hair pulling or tight hairstyles can break hair and cause patches of loss; address gently and seek help when the habit is persistent or distressing

Simple Scalp Care

  • Wash hair and scalp gently as needed for the child’s hair type and activity. Avoid harsh scrubbing, strong fragrances, and products that burn or worsen itch

  • Do not share combs, brushes, hats, helmets, hair accessories, pillowcases, or towels when ringworm or lice is possible

  • Avoid tight hairstyles or traction that causes pain or broken hairs

  • Do not use prescription or medicated scalp products without guidance for the child’s age and condition

If Scalp Ringworm Is Possible

  • Contact the child’s clinician promptly; shampoo or cream alone will not cure a scalp infection

  • Keep personal hair items separate, clean combs and brushes, and ask the clinician about household contacts and pets with scaly hairless areas

  • Complete the prescribed treatment exactly as directed if ringworm is diagnosed

Call Preparation

  • When the scalp change began, whether it is itchy or painful, and whether hair is breaking, shedding, or missing in patches

  • Recent illness, fever, medicines, new hair products, pets, contacts with similar symptoms, and hairstyles

  • A clear photo of the scalp in good light, if it can be obtained comfortably

Related Guides

  • Rashes and Skin: When to Seek Care

  • Acne and Skin Breakouts: When to Seek Help

  • Insect Bites and Stings: When to Seek Care

Sources and Medical Review

  • HealthyChildren.org (AAP), Hair Loss (Alopecia) in Children https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/skin/Pages/Hair-Loss-Alopecia.aspx

  • HealthyChildren.org (AAP), Tinea Infections https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/skin/Pages/Tinea-Infections-Ringworm-Athletes-Foot-Jock-Itch.aspx

  • American Academy of Dermatology, Ringworm: Signs and Symptoms https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/ringworm-symptoms

  • American Academy of Dermatology, 10 Reasons Your Scalp Itches https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/itch-relief/relieve-scalp-itch