Alopecia or something else?

[tslauson967]

Hello everyone, my name is Tyler. I am currently experiencing a scalp issue and am looking for opinions on the matter. A little over a month ago I noticed a small bald spot on the back of my head, a little smaller than a quarter. At first I thought it might be a mistake by my barber but after a few weeks it still remained. There are still very small hairs in the spot but they are not growing at all with the rest of my hair. I went to to doctor who said he thought it was Alopecia and prescribed an oil to put on the patch. Since then the patch has actually grown a little bit and this has worried me. I am now questioning if this is Alopecia for several reasons. The first reason is that this appears to be the only spot on my body. The second reason is that there also appears to be some redness around that area of my scalp. I have attached a photo of the spot when it was first forming, you can see some of the redness. I naturally wear my hair short but since this photo the spot has grown larger and I am no longer feeling hair growth in the center. I am currently trying to find a dermatologist to see on the matter but would appreciate any input on other conditions this could be? Thank you.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to tinea capitis or alopecia. Ringworm is a fungal skin infection that occurs on the face, body or scalp. The symptoms of Ringworm or Tinea Capitis include a dry itchy scalp, scaling, crusting, inflamed nodules, hair loss and tender enlarged lymph nodes on the neck. Get it evaluated from a trichologist to confirm the diagnosis.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[maatson]

Though not common in adults, this could be fungal infection (Tinea capitis) especially since there is an inflammation around.In Alopecia areata you do not get this.But then,certain irritant applications are prescribed to induce hair growth,and this possibly explain the redness around.
If it is Tinea capitis antifungals are prescribed,as oral medication.
Cheers.