What should you know about a random bald spot on the back of your head?

Look closely at the skin as well as the hair. A smooth, normal-looking patch can occur with alopecia areata, while scaling, broken hairs, tenderness, or crusting can point toward scalp ringworm. Tight hairstyles, repeated rubbing from headwear, or pressure against a headrest can also disturb hair growth. The shape alone cannot identify the cause, and a bald patch is a presentation of several possible conditions rather than proof of one diagnosis.

Note whether the area is expanding, whether other patches are appearing, and whether the eyebrows or eyelashes are changing. A clinician may inspect the scalp and examine loose or broken hairs; additional testing is considered when infection or another scalp disorder is suspected.

Take a clear photograph in good light and record when you first noticed the change. Wash gently, avoid scratching, and pause tight styles, harsh chemical treatments, and anything that repeatedly rubs the area. Do not share combs, brushes, hats, or pillowcases if there is scaling or a possible infection. Arrange a dermatology review if the patch persists, grows, or is accompanied by inflammation. Treatment depends on the examination; a hair transplant is not a first step while an active cause remains unclear.

Seek prompt medical advice for a rapidly enlarging patch, marked redness, pus, significant pain, fever, or swollen areas in the neck. Arrange an appointment sooner if several patches appear, hairs break close to the scalp, or the skin becomes shiny or scar-like. These findings can signal inflammation, infection, or possible scarring, where timely care helps protect the follicles.

Ask what scalp features support alopecia areata, scalp ringworm, or friction-related loss; whether a fungal test is needed; which hair practices should stop; and how progress will be monitored.