Round Bald Spot on the Head: What to Know

Alopecia areata commonly presents as a smooth, sharply defined patch without obvious scale. Scalp ringworm can cause hair loss with scaling, broken hairs, itch, tenderness, or swollen areas. Tight hairstyles, repeated pulling, inflammation, and injury can also damage hair or follicles. The edge of the patch, scalp surface, and presence of broken hairs help a clinician identify the likely cause.

Arrange a dermatology assessment rather than applying multiple hair products to the patch. Take a clear photograph and note when it appeared, whether it is enlarging, and whether anyone close to you has an itchy scalp. Avoid tight styles, scratching, shared combs, hats, and pillows until infection has been considered. Do not start prescription treatment without advice.

Seek prompt care for a painful, swollen, crusted, or draining scalp, fever, tender neck glands, or quickly expanding hair loss. Arrange an appointment for any new smooth patch, especially when more patches appear, eyebrows thin, or nails develop new changes. Scarring, shiny skin, or loss of visible follicle openings warrants timely review.

Ask whether the patch looks like alopecia areata, scalp ringworm, traction, or another hair-loss process. Mention itch, scale, broken hairs, family history, recent illness, stress, hairstyles, medicines, and whether eyebrows or nails have changed. Ask how diagnosis will be confirmed and what treatment is suitable.