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What Causes Patch Of White Hair On Scalp?
Question: Hi. I went to get a hair cut this weekend and the barber asked me if I had always had this white patch of hair on the back of my head.? I said no so she used a mirror and showed me this quarter sized white spot in my hair. I'm 55 but do not have a lot of grey hair so this is very unusual.
Brief Answer:
A photo is needed. Following possible causes. ..
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I understand your concern.
Can you please provide a picture of the area of white hair patch??
There might be various causes including :
- tinea capitis, a type of fungal infction of the hair
- poliosis (whitening of hair patches)
- metabolic illness like those related to thyroid
- vitiligo
If not suffering from any chronic metabolic disease, I advise to :
- get a further consultation with dermatologist to determine the final diagnosis
- microscopic examination of the affected hair is also advised for proper diagnosis and decide for best treatment strategy
All the best!
Dr.Albana
A photo is needed. Following possible causes. ..
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I understand your concern.
Can you please provide a picture of the area of white hair patch??
There might be various causes including :
- tinea capitis, a type of fungal infction of the hair
- poliosis (whitening of hair patches)
- metabolic illness like those related to thyroid
- vitiligo
If not suffering from any chronic metabolic disease, I advise to :
- get a further consultation with dermatologist to determine the final diagnosis
- microscopic examination of the affected hair is also advised for proper diagnosis and decide for best treatment strategy
All the best!
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I had my roomie take a picture but it looks more like a bald spot than anything. The white did not show up well but you can see the size of the patch. I have sent the picture as requested as an email attachment.
Brief Answer:
Lab testing advised to rule out fungal infection or alopecia areata...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Thank you for providing the requested photo.
I have gone through it and noted the bald spot on your head. If I was your caring doctor would recommend to run a microscopical examination of the hair and the local skin scrapping to rule out fungal infection and get it treated accordingly with anti-fungal therapy as per test result.
Otherwise, if no fungal infection, it might be alopecia areata and different treatment is recommended in this case (minoxidil - shampoo or cream together with steroid injections locally).
Hope it was of help!
Dr.Albana
Lab testing advised to rule out fungal infection or alopecia areata...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Thank you for providing the requested photo.
I have gone through it and noted the bald spot on your head. If I was your caring doctor would recommend to run a microscopical examination of the hair and the local skin scrapping to rule out fungal infection and get it treated accordingly with anti-fungal therapy as per test result.
Otherwise, if no fungal infection, it might be alopecia areata and different treatment is recommended in this case (minoxidil - shampoo or cream together with steroid injections locally).
Hope it was of help!
Dr.Albana
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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