What should you know about causes of random bald spots?

A smooth, clearly defined patch without scale may occur with Alopecia Areata, an immune-related condition affecting hair follicles. A scaly, itchy or tender patch with broken hairs can occur with Scalp Ringworm, which requires medical treatment and can spread to others. Tight hairstyles, chemical processing, friction, scratching or hair-pulling can also create uneven loss. Redness, crusting, pus, scarring or loss of eyebrow hair gives a clinician additional clues. The patch itself is a symptom, not a diagnosis.

Photograph the area in consistent light and note when it appeared, whether it is expanding, and whether anyone else at home has scalp symptoms. Use gentle hair care, pause tight styles and avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats or pillow coverings until infection has been considered. A clinician may inspect the scalp and hairs, and may arrange further testing before recommending treatment. Hair restoration is not the first step while an active cause remains unclear.

Arrange an assessment for a new, enlarging or recurrent patch, especially with pain, scaling, broken hairs or swollen neck glands. Seek earlier care when the scalp is scarred, inflamed or draining, because follicle damage may become lasting.

Ask whether the patch looks smooth or inflamed, whether fungal testing is needed, what hair practices to change, how regrowth will be monitored, and which treatments fit the confirmed cause.