What can help with hair loss in children and teenagers?

In children and adolescents, hair loss is often caused by alopecia areata or, following an infection, diffuse hair loss. Typical symptoms include sudden bald patches or increased hair loss across the entire scalp. Alopecia areata is usually caused by autoimmune processes; it can spread but may also regrow spontaneously. After febrile infections, hair loss often occurs with a delay of several weeks. A medical evaluation is therefore important.