What should you know about a sudden small bald spot on your head?

A smooth, round area without scale or redness can be a presentation of alopecia areata, an immune-related condition affecting hair follicles. A patch with flaking, broken hairs, tenderness, or swollen glands can occur with scalp ringworm, which needs medical treatment. Tight hairstyles, frequent pulling, chemical processing, or rubbing can also damage hairs without causing a completely smooth patch. Take a clear photograph and note whether the area is enlarging, whether other patches appear, and whether the scalp itches or hurts. A bald patch is a symptom, not a diagnosis; most causes require looking at the scalp and hair shafts.

Handle the area gently: pause tight styles and harsh chemical treatments, use a mild shampoo, and avoid scratching or sharing combs, hats, pillows, or hair tools until an infection has been considered. Do not apply steroid or antifungal products to the scalp without suitable advice, because the wrong treatment can obscure the pattern or irritate skin. Arrange a routine dermatology appointment if the patch persists, spreads, or returns. Read more about [Bald Patches](/symptoms/bald-patches/) and the conditions [Alopecia Areata](/conditions/alopecia-areata/) and [Scalp Ringworm](/conditions/scalp-ringworm/).

Seek prompt assessment for pain, pus, marked swelling, fever, crusting, significant scale, or rapidly expanding hair loss. Arrange earlier review if eyelashes or eyebrows are also affected, or if the scalp becomes shiny and scar-like. These changes can signal inflammation or infection that may need treatment quickly. Hair restoration procedures such as [Hair Transplant](/treatments/hair-restoration/hair-transplant/) are considered only after the cause is understood and active disease is addressed.

Could this be alopecia areata, an infection, or hair breakage? Does the scalp need a fungal test or close examination? Which products should I stop, and what signs would mean the patch needs faster review?