hi. I would be most grateful if you could help me…My hair was pulled out 4 weeks ago. It hurt and bled a tiny bit. The bald area pretty much immediately grew (sparse) stubble, so I am assuming this will eventually regrow. However, the bald patch has increased in size (about half an inch forward and back), and the hair surrounding it still falls very easily.

Is it possible these hairs were disturbed in the follicle (a big handful of hair was pulled) or could there be an underlying problem? Or could this be a localised anagen effluvium (if this even exists). In the beginning the area and whole scalp ‘burned’ intermittently for about 3 wks although now just the ‘patch’ burns occasionally. I find if the surrounding area itches and I scratch thats normally when the hair comes out (1-8 hairs at a time). I have looked all over for an answer but I think this must be unusual which I find worrying.

Thank you for your time.

If you are really worried, I’d have a doctor examine your scalp. I would expect, however, that if you wait up to 8 months, the problem will take care of itself. Generally, a one time hair pull will not result in permanent loss.

Perhaps the surrounding hairs became weakened after the hair was yanked out and that’s why you see loss in that area. Without seeing what you’re talking about, I am having a hard time understanding what you are describing.

Hi Doc!

During my teenage years, I used to completely shave my head (0 mm) during the summers. I quickly changed my mind each time due to my flat head shape that bothered me.

At age 28, I’ve been experiencing a slow hair loss progression in a class 4A-pattern for some years, still fairly invisible to others I hope. This made me shave my head completely once again, revealing that the front of my head now didn’t look as flat as before. My hair loss almost exactly follows the frontal skull bone which clearly has turned into a more egg-like shape than before. The back of my head, where there is no apparent balding, remains the same however. The frontal bone seems “higher” than the back of my head and I can see and feel a distinct edge between front/back of my head.

Is it be normal for a head shape to change this obvious after 18-19 years of age and could it be the reason for my frontal balding? I would really like to here you opinion.

Also, have you seen shaved, non-balding people with an egg shaped head?

There is no connection between skull shape or changing skull shape, and hair loss. Hair loss is genetic and not influenced by the underlying bony skull. I’ve seen all kinds of head shapes over the years, but an obvious change in skull shape in the adult years is not something I’m familiar with.

Obvious changing of the skull shape usually occurs because of trauma or disease. There are diseases which can result in the skull expanding, though I’d expect you’d have vision issues or at least severe headaches. Or there’s this man that was left with a misshapen skull after a run-in with a stampeding bull. This isn’t my specialty, so I don’t mean to worry you… just speaking in complete generalities.

Hello there doctors

I was having my haircut when my hairdresser pointed out a bald spot just on the left of my crown, there is only one at this time, the size of a pea, its smooth, slightly raised and feels tough. She said it has about 10-15 hairs sprouting through and can see small holes where follicles are. I am 18 with a juvenile hairline and no signs of miniaturisation. 2 years a go my GP said i had a keratin horn near that location but he has since retired, could you shed some light on what the possibilities may be?

Thank you for your time

A pea-sized, slightly raised bald spot where 10 to 15 hairs are sprouting? I have no clue what it could be. If your physician has retired, I’d seek out another physician for an exam. Perhaps a dermatologist would be your best bet. Based on your description though, it does not sound like male pattern balding.