What should you know about hair balding in one spot?

A smooth, round patch without scale or redness can occur with alopecia areata, an immune-related hair-loss condition. A patch with flaking, broken hairs, tenderness, or swollen glands may fit scalp ringworm, which needs medical treatment. Tight hairstyles, extensions, or repeated rubbing can damage follicles around the area. Hair loss with scarring, shiny skin, pus, or a spreading edge deserves prompt examination because early treatment may help protect follicles.

Take a clear photograph in good light and note when the patch appeared, whether it is enlarging, and whether hairs are breaking or falling from the root. Wash gently, avoid scratching, and pause tight styles, chemical processing, and heat directed at the patch. Do not share combs, brushes, hats, or pillows if scaling or broken hairs suggest infection. A clinician can examine the scalp and decide whether testing or treatment is needed.

Arrange a medical review if the patch is enlarging, new patches appear, or the scalp is scaly, inflamed, painful, crusted, or draining. Seek prompt care for fever, rapidly increasing swelling, or marked tenderness. Hair loss after a tight style should also be checked if it continues after tension stops.

Could the surface pattern suggest alopecia areata or scalp ringworm? Are the hairs breaking or being shed from the follicle? What scalp-care changes should I make while the cause is being assessed?