What should you know about having a bald spot?

A smooth, sharply defined patch without scale may fit Alopecia Areata, while broken hairs, crusting, tenderness or scale can occur with Scalp Ringworm. Repeated tension from styles can also thin a focused area. The appearance alone cannot confirm the cause, and a patch may change before other symptoms appear.

Notice when it began, whether it is expanding, and whether the skin looks normal, red, scaly or shiny. Check for eyebrow or body-hair changes and tell the clinician about recent illness, hair practices and close contacts with scalp symptoms.

Avoid tight braids, extensions, harsh chemicals and vigorous scratching until the cause is clearer. Use gentle cleansing and do not share combs, brushes, hats or pillowcases if infection is possible. Photograph the area with the date and include a wider view of the scalp. A dermatologist may inspect the hairs and skin, and may recommend testing or treatment. Hair Transplant is not a first step when an active inflammatory or infectious cause has not been addressed.

Book an assessment for a new, enlarging or unexplained bald spot, particularly when there is pain, pus, marked redness, crusting, fever, swollen neck glands or scarring. Seek urgent advice for rapidly spreading swelling or a severe allergic reaction. Early review can protect follicles when infection or inflammation is involved.

Ask what the patch most resembles, whether the scalp needs a fungal test, how to prevent spread or further traction, and when regrowth or specialist treatment should be reassessed.