Could this be alopecia areata?
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Hi everyone,
Male (38)
About a week ago I noticed this bald/thin patch on my scalp and I’ve been worried it could be alopecia areata. Before that I honestly had no idea it was there.
The area feels a bit strange sometimes — not really painful, but slightly sensitive or irritated, like something is pulling the hair. I don’t have much itching or noticeable shedding, and this is the only spot I’ve found so far.
What confuses me is that the patch isn’t completely smooth/bald. There are a lot of tiny stubble-like hairs inside it. I can’t tell if those are new hairs growing back, or if they’re broken/damaged hairs from ongoing hair loss.
I’ve also been under quite a bit of stress lately, so I’m wondering if that could be related.
Does this look like early alopecia areata to you guys, or could it be something else?
And are the short hairs usually a sign of regrowth, or can they also happen when the hairs are breaking off?
I’d really appreciate any opinions or similar experiences. Thanks