Should I go to the doctor for a bald spot?

Author: Prof. Karelle Labadie  |  Last update: Monday, April 14, 2025

Tell your doctor if you notice sudden or severe hair loss in round bald patches. Hair loss in these patterns is not typical and may be a symptom of this health condition.

Should I worry about a bald spot on my head?

When to call a professional. Make an appointment to see your doctor if: you suddenly develop a bald spot on your scalp. your hair stylist tells you that your hair is thinning, or that you have small bald areas.

Is it worth seeing a doctor for hair loss?

If you're experiencing significant or sudden hair loss, consulting a healthcare provider, such as a dermatologist or trichologist, is advisable. They can help determine the underlying cause of your hair loss and recommend appropriate treatments or lifestyle changes.

What happens if you get a random bald spot?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes patchy hair loss anywhere on your body, but it most commonly affects the hair on the skin that covers your head (scalp). “Alopecia” is a medical term for hair loss or baldness, and “areata” means that it occurs in small, random areas.

When should I go to the doctor for baldness?

You should see your GP if: you have sudden hair loss. you develop bald patches. you're losing hair in clumps.

Doctor explains Alopecia Areata (aka patchy or total hair loss) - Signs, Symptoms, Treatment & more

Is it possible to regrow hair on a bald spot?

You might be able to reverse hair loss, or at least slow it. With some conditions, such as patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), hair may regrow without treatment within a year. Treatments for hair loss include medications and surgery.

Am I balding or is my hair damaged?

“While hair loss and hair thinning is an issue with the absence of hair growing from the scalp and hair follicle, hair breakage is a break in the hair shaft below the surface of the scalp, which can be caused by a variety of reasons, including a malformation of the hair shaft itself, chemical treatments, excessive ...

Is my bald spot from stress?

Yes, stress and hair loss can be related. Three types of hair loss can be associated with high stress levels: Telogen effluvium. In telogen effluvium (TEL-o-jun uh-FLOO-vee-um), significant stress pushes large numbers of hair follicles into a resting phase.

Is balding at 25 normal?

While it is not uncommon for males to begin experiencing hair loss in their 20s, it is not considered normal for hair loss to occur at such a young age. If you are experiencing hair loss at age 25, you must speak with a healthcare professional to determine the cause and discuss treatment options.

Do bald spots ever go away?

People with alopecia areata typically have smooth, round patches of complete hair loss that develop over a period of a few weeks, followed in most cases by regrowth over several months (picture 1). However, alopecia areata may persist for several years and sometimes hair never regrows.

Can doctors do anything for hair loss?

For adults, the doctor may inject steroids into the skin or scalp. As many as 80 injections may occur during one appointment. Steroid treatments can take place every four to six weeks, and you may see hair regrowth in one or two months.

What is the hair pull test?

Pull Test and Tug Test

This simple test measures the severity of hair loss. During a pull test, a dermatologist grasps small sections of hair, about 40 strands, from different parts of the scalp and gently tugs. If six or more strands fall out, you have what's known as active hair loss.

Does insurance cover hair loss?

Most insurance plans consider hair loss to be a cosmetic condition and will not cover office visits for consultations or treatment.

How do I fix my bald spot?

For many causes of bald spots, a topical treatment called minoxidil may reduce progressive hair loss and promote regrowth in the affected area. You can purchase over-the-counter minoxidil in liquid solution and foam forms, which are available for men and women in different concentrations.

Should I cut my hair if I have bald spots?

Men with substantial hair loss often choose to wear their hair short to avoid too much contrast between the balding areas and those with healthy hair. Shorter hair also means you don't need to feel self-conscious about trying to hide bald spots.

Is stage 2 hair loss reversible?

Hair loss is easiest to reverse when it is treated early and quickly before any severe balding has begun. If you are able to recognize the early stages of male pattern hair loss, you will be able to seek treatment sooner, and ultimately retain a full head of hair.

Does vaping cause hair loss?

Just like cigarettes, most vapes contain nicotine, and it may contribute to hair loss or thinning in these ways: Constricting blood vessels – Over time, nicotine intake can narrow blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the hair follicles. This means less oxygen and nutrients reach them, hindering healthy growth [8, 9].

Does low testosterone cause hair loss?

Hair loss. Hair loss commonly stems from low levels of testosterone. While hair loss can be due to aging, low levels of testosterone can also play a part. You might notice bald spots you hadn't had before or an increase in thinning hair in multiple areas or your body.

Am I balding or just paranoid?

So try not to stress out about a few individual strands of lost hair on your hair tie. If you're concerned that you're shedding more hair than this, or you've noticed substantial hair loss when you wash or brush your hair, you're probably not paranoid. This may be the first sign of sustained hair loss.

Can lack of sleep cause hair loss?

Quality sleep is as vital for healthy hair as it is for overall health. When we don't sleep enough, it can throw off the levels of certain hormones that help our hair grow, such as oestrogen and melatonin. People experiencing regular poor sleep tend to notice more hair shedding and thinning.

When I run my fingers through my hair it falls out?

It's perfectly normal to lose a few stray strands when running your fingers, or a comb, through your hair. But if you notice increased hair being pulled out when you are being gentle, this can be a cause of concern that you should get checked over.

Am I overthinking hair loss?

While overthinking alone may not directly cause hair loss, the stress and anxiety associated with it can contribute to hair shedding over time. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, a balanced lifestyle, and seeking professional help when needed can reduce the impact on your hair health.

Is it bad to run your fingers through your hair?

Excessive hair touching is a repetitive and addictive habit that can be extremely hard to stop and can lead to Trichotillomania - a hair pulling disorder. Many women who's hands are always buried in their hair, typically suffer from very dry ends, oily roots, hair loss and poor overall hair condition.

How can I test myself for hair loss?

Hair pull test.

Allow hairs that are firmly rooted in the scalp to pass through your grasp, but maintain enough traction so that loose hairs are pulled clean. About 2-5 hairs will be pulled in a normal adult. Up to 3 or 4 times that amount will be pulled free in adults who suffer with hair loss.

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