I have a small bald spot on my head

A smooth patch may fit alopecia areata, while flaking, itch, tenderness or snapped hairs can point toward scalp ringworm. Hair pulled by tight styles may thin around the hairline or in areas under repeated tension. A clinician will also consider recent illness, medicines, grooming practices and whether eyebrows, eyelashes or other body hair have changed.

Use a photograph and a simple date to track the patch instead of measuring it repeatedly. Handle the area gently, pause tight styles and avoid scratching or applying strong chemicals. If there is scale or broken hair, keep combs and towels personal until a clinician has assessed it. Treatment depends on the cause; a Hair Transplant is generally considered only after the underlying problem has been clarified and stabilised.

Arrange a dermatology appointment if the patch persists, grows, or is accompanied by new areas of loss. Seek prompt advice for pain, pus, marked swelling, fever, tender glands or extensive scaling. Early review is particularly useful when hairs are breaking, because some scalp conditions can damage follicles if they are left untreated.

Ask whether the patch looks more like Alopecia Areata, Scalp Ringworm or traction-related loss, whether a sample is useful, and what changes should trigger an earlier review.