What should you know about one bald spot on your head?

Alopecia areata often presents as a smooth, clearly defined patch where hair has shed. Scalp ringworm can present with scaling, broken hairs, itch or tenderness and may spread to others. Tight hairstyles, repeated rubbing, picking or local inflammation can also damage or interrupt hair growth.

The patch’s surface gives useful clues: smooth skin, scale, redness, crusting, broken hairs and black dots point toward different processes. A clinician may inspect the scalp and nearby skin, ask about illness and hair practices, and arrange tests when infection is possible.

Take a clear photograph and note when you first saw the patch, whether it is enlarging and whether itching or pain is present. Wash gently, avoid scratching and pause tight styles, chemical processing or heat that irritates the scalp. Do not share combs, brushes, hats or pillows if there is scale or broken hair until infection has been assessed.

Arrange a routine medical review if the patch persists, enlarges or returns. Treatment depends on the cause; using a hair-growth product without a diagnosis can delay care for an infection or inflammatory condition.

Seek prompt care for a painful, swollen or draining scalp, fever, rapidly spreading hair loss, thick crusts, or hair loss with eyebrow or eyelash changes. Earlier assessment is also sensible when a child has a scaly patch or when close contacts develop similar symptoms.

Ask whether the patch looks smooth or inflamed, whether testing for infection is needed, which hair practices could be contributing, and what treatment is appropriate before considering cosmetic restoration.