How to Treat Patchy Bald Spots in an Adult

Patchy bald spots in an adult can occur due to a number of causes. Proper treatment of patchy bald spots requires proper identification of the underlying problem. The three most common causes are alopecia areata, trichotillomania and tinea capitis. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles. Trichotillomania is a psychiatric disorder that results in the urge to pull out one's own hair. Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp that causes patchy spots of hair loss.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine the cause of the patchy bald spots. If the hair loss is associated with scaling and itching of the scalp, this suggests a fungal infection (tinea capitis) as the cause. If the bald spots are round areas on the scalp and occur on other hair-bearing parts of the body as well, this is suggestive of alopecia areata. If the bald spots contain short hairs still in the follicle, this indicates that the hair was pulled out and broken down short, suggesting trichotillomania.

• 2

  Visit your doctor. All of the above causes of patchy baldness are serious and require evaluation and treatment by a physician. Systemic antifungal treatment is necessary to get rid of tinea capitis. Alopecia areata will require systemic, topical or injected steroids to control and will likely not be cured. Trichotillomania requires the care of a psychiatrist. Some people may be effectively treated for trichotillomania with tricyclic antidepressant medications.

• 3

  Continue to monitor the symptoms. Many times, despite treatment of the patchy baldness associated with alopecia areata, tinea capitis and trichotillomania, it will be necessary to undergo further treatments to control the symptoms.