18/05/2025

NATIONAL 5 ON SUNDAY MAY 18, 2025

Experts raise alarm over rising hair loss in children

Singaporean duo discovered dead at Cheras homestay KUALA LUMPUR: Two Singaporean nation als were found dead in a homestay unit at Taman Taynton View in Cheras on Friday. Cheras district police chief ACP Aidil Bolhassan said preliminary inspections revealed no external injuries on either body. Both individuals were fully clothed and there were no signs of foul play. Police received an emergency call at 12.53pm alerting them that a 43-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman had been found unconscious in a room on Jalan Nadchatiram by a staff member. Upon arrival, officers discovered the bodies in an advanced state of decomposi tion and emitting a strong odour. “Further checks at the scene found that the air-conditioner had been wrapped with blue plastic bags and the window sealed with plastic canvas,” Aidil said in a statement yesterday. He added that police also found rem nants of burnt charcoal in a barbecue con tainer and a substance believed to be keta mine on a plate in the room. A female homestay worker told police she became concerned at 11am when she noticed the front door was still locked and the victims’ shoes remained outside. After knocking several times without receiving a response, she informed the homestay manager. “The manager instructed her to open the door using a spare key. Upon entering, she found the air-conditioner, ceiling fan and television switched on in the living room,” Aidil said. She then checked the third bedroom and noticed tape around the door and that the window had been sealed. After opening the window, she saw the victims lying uncon scious on the bed in a room filled with a foul smell. An assistant medical officer from Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz later con firmed both individuals had died at the scene at 2.22pm. Their bodies have been sent to the hos pital for an autopsy. – Bernama Uni student found drowned at Lata Payung BANDAR PERMAISURI: A male student from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin drowned after being swept away by strong currents while bathing at the Hutan Lipur Lata Payung picnic area in Setiu on Friday. The body of Abed Mifzal Azman, 22, from Johor, was found at 9.30pm by a search and rescue team with assistance from local villag ers, about one kilometre from where he was last seen. Setiu district police chief Supt Mohd Zain Md Deris said the body had been sent to the Setiu Hospital Forensic Unit for an autopsy. He said during the incident on Friday eve ning, Abed Mifzal – a first-year Bachelor of Business Administration (Islamic Finance) stu dent – had been picnicking with six friends when a sudden water surge occurred. “The victim’s six friends managed to escape, but the victim was swept away by the strong current,” he said. Mohd Zain advised the public to avoid river or recreational forest activities in Setiu for the time being due to unpredictable weather con ditions and the risk of water surges. – Bernama

PETALING JAYA: While hair loss is often associated with ageing or adult health issues, dermatologists warn that an increasing number of children are being affected, yet many parents remain unaware of the signs or underlying causes. From fungal infections and tight hairstyles to nutritional deficiencies, the causes vary, but experts say the message is clear: early diagnosis is essential. “Hair loss in children is typically caused by scalp-related conditions rather than hormonal imbalances,” said Columbia Asia Hospital Setapak consultant dermatologist Dr Elizabeth Chang Wei Hsi. “The most common culprit is tinea capitis, a contagious fungal infection that causes scaly patches and broken hairs. We also frequently see alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition resulting in smooth, round bald spots, traction alopecia from overly tight hairstyles and trichotillomania, where children compulsively pull their own hair.” Chang added that inflammatory scalp conditions such as eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis and psoriasis can also lead to temporary hair shedding. Dermatologists cite infections, poor diet and tight hairstyles as key causes, stressing need for early diagnosis and support Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com Two killed, one injured in crash near Rompin KUANTAN: Two men were killed and a woman injured in a three-vehicle collision at KM156 of the Kuantan to Johor Bahru road near Rompin early yesterday morning. Rompin district police chief Supt Sharif Shai Sharif Mondoi said police received a report on the incident at 3.30am. “A hatchback driven by a 28-year-old man travelling from Johor Bahru towards Kuantan collided with a 22-year-old male cyclist, who suddenly appeared and was crossing the road from left to right. “The driver was unable to brake in time and struck the cyclist, causing the car to skid and veer into a nearby drain,” he said in a statement yesterday. A motorcycle, ridden by a 36-year-old woman travelling in the opposite direction from Kuantan to Johor Bahru, was also involved in the crash after she was struck by flying debris. The impact caused her to lose control and fall. Sharif Shai said both men were pronounced dead at the scene, while the motorcyclist sustained minor injuries to several parts of her body. – Bernama

immune systems. “Oral medications are only considered in severe or resistant cases, and are used under strict monitoring.” Traction alopecia, linked to tight hairstyles, is also becoming more prevalent. “It’s more common now, especially among girls who regularly wear tight braids, buns or ponytails. It’s often influenced by beauty trends and school grooming policies,” Meera said. “Education on proper hair care is essential.” Both dermatologists highlighted delays in parents seeking treatment. “While many Malaysian parents are open to early intervention, lack of awareness, stigma, financial concerns and accessibility still hinder timely diagnosis,” Chang said. Meera also agreed with this view. “Awareness is still low. In some communities, children’s hair loss is even seen as taboo. “Many parents resort to home remedies or non-medical advice rather than seeking professional help. Early dermatological evaluation should be encouraged,” she said. They also stressed the importance of psychological support. “Counselling can help build resilience, develop coping skills and reduce emotional stress,” said Chang. “It’s a vital part of the healing process for both the child and the family.” For parents unsure whether their child’s hair loss is a cause for concern, Meera had one key message: “Any noticeable patchy or excessive hair loss warrants medical attention. Don’t wait, and don’t rely solely on the internet. Early intervention can make all the difference.”

Another often overlooked condition is telogen effluvium, diffuse hair loss triggered by stress or illness. “Most of these issues are treatable, and early diagnosis is crucial for effective management and preventing permanent hair loss,” she said. Nutritional deficiencies are another key contributor. “Iron and vitamin D deficiencies are among the most common causes, especially in cases of diffuse hair shedding,” Chang said. “Even without anaemia, low iron stores can lead to hair loss, particularly in children with poor diets or adolescent girls experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding. Vitamin D, which supports hair follicle health, is also a concern due to reduced sun exposure.” Central Dermatology Specialist Clinic consultant dermatologist Dr Meera Kuppusamy agreed that early detection is critical, especially for progressive conditions. “Prompt diagnosis prevents worsening, particularly with tinea capitis, which is highly contagious, and traction alopecia, which can cause irreversible damage if ignored,” she said. Meera noted a growing number of alopecia areata cases in younger children. “In our clinical experience, alopecia areata in children under five often presents more aggressively and can be harder to treat. The psychological impact is also deeper for both the child and their parents.” On treatment, she advocated a cautious, tailored approach. “We typically begin with topical treatments such as corticosteroids or minoxidil, depending on the diagnosis. With children, we’re mindful of their sensitive skin and developing

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