A bald spot on the face or beard area

Alopecia areata can present with a smooth patch in hair-bearing facial skin. Scale, redness, bumps, tenderness, broken hairs or drainage suggest a different process, such as irritation, follicle inflammation or fungal infection.

Notice whether hairs are absent at the root or snapped close to the skin, and whether the border is round, irregular or spreading. Ask yourself if the patch followed a new shaving product, hair-removal method, friction, picking or a skin eruption. Similar patches on the scalp or body, nail changes and eyebrow or eyelash loss are also relevant.

Scalp ringworm describes infection of scalp hair rather than the face, but fungi can affect facial or beard skin. A clinician can distinguish these locations and choose suitable treatment.

Use a mild cleanser and pause fragranced oils, dyes, harsh exfoliants and close shaving if they aggravate the patch. Do not apply leftover steroid or antifungal creams near the eyes; an incorrect product can alter the rash or irritate delicate skin. Clean grooming tools and avoid sharing razors.

Take a focused photograph before applying camouflage. A dermatologist can examine the hair openings and surrounding skin and may inspect other hair-bearing areas.

Request an appointment if the patch enlarges, repeats elsewhere, affects an eyebrow or eyelashes, or persists with scale, itch, pain, crusts or pus. Earlier review is warranted for shiny or scar-like skin because loss of follicle openings can signal lasting follicle injury.

Seek urgent assessment for swelling around an eye, eye pain or vision changes, rapidly spreading facial redness, fever, or severe tenderness.

Ask whether the patch appears autoimmune, infectious, inflammatory or related to breakage; whether a skin or hair sample is needed; and which shaving or cosmetic products are safe to continue. If treatment is prescribed near the eyes, confirm exactly where it may be applied.