What do bald patches feel like with alopecia areata?

Most people with Alopecia Areata notice bald patches without a strong change in skin sensation. The exposed area may look smooth, with normal-looking skin and little scale. Some people feel itching, tingling, tightness or mild tenderness before or during hair shedding. Short broken hairs or tapered hairs around the edge can also appear.

Alopecia areata can affect the scalp, beard, eyebrows or other hair-bearing areas. The pattern can change, so a clinician may inspect the scalp and nails and ask about recent illness, stress, medicines and family history.

Arrange a dermatology assessment if a patch is enlarging, new patches are appearing, or eyebrow or eyelash hair is changing. Take clear photos in similar lighting and note itch, tenderness, scaling or sudden shedding. Protect exposed scalp from sun and cold, and handle remaining hair gently while the diagnosis is being clarified.

Seek earlier review when hair loss is rapid, the scalp is painful, swollen, crusted or scaly, or you feel unwell. Those features can point to a different or additional scalp problem that needs specific treatment. Sudden eyebrow or eyelash loss also merits prompt assessment.

Does the patch look consistent with alopecia areata? Do I need tests to exclude infection or another cause? Which treatment options fit the location and extent of my hair loss?