What Causes Patch Of White Hair On Scalp?

Posted on Tue, 22 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 Answered on

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

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.

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (40 minutes later)

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (5 hours later)

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.

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (18 hours later)

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

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar