What should you know about a bald spot on the back of the head?

A smooth, sharply defined patch without scale may fit alopecia areata, an immune-related form of patchy hair loss. Scaling, redness, broken hairs, tenderness, or swollen glands can point toward scalp ringworm or another scalp problem. Hair may also break from tight styles, repeated rubbing, chemical processing, or pressure. The location alone does not identify the cause. A clinician may inspect the scalp, examine hair shafts, and check for inflammation or infection before recommending treatment.

Take a clear photograph and note when the patch began, whether it is enlarging, and whether itching, scale, pain, or broken hairs are present. Use gentle hair care, avoid tight hairstyles and harsh chemical processing, and do not share combs, hats, pillows, or towels if infection is possible. Do not apply steroid or antifungal medicine to the scalp without a diagnosis. Read more about [Bald Patches](/symptoms/bald-patches/), [Alopecia Areata](/conditions/alopecia-areata/), and [Scalp Ringworm](/conditions/scalp-ringworm/) to prepare for an appointment.

Book a medical assessment for any unexplained new patch, especially if it is spreading or accompanied by scale, broken hairs, pus, marked redness, pain, or swollen lymph nodes. Seek prompt care when the scalp is very inflamed or you feel unwell, because an infection may need treatment. Hair restoration procedures are considered only after the cause and stability of hair loss have been evaluated.

Ask what the scalp examination suggests, whether testing for infection is needed, which hair-care changes could prevent further breakage, how soon to review the patch, and whether options such as [Hair Transplant](/treatments/hair-restoration/hair-transplant/) are relevant later.