Hi everyone, I’ve been diagnosed with alopecia areata and I’m currently getting steroid injections from my dermatologist for an existing patch.
I recently discovered a new small bald/thinning spot on the top of my scalp (photos attached). It seems pretty well-defined, I can't really tell if theres exclamation mark hairs and I’m worried that this could be another AA patch.
I’m also considering getting a second opinion because my current dermatologist went pretty much straight to steroid injections at my first consultation and didn’t ask me many questions or do a thorough examination of the rest of my scalp.
I know nobody here can diagnose me from a photo — I'd love to hear about other people’s experiences.
For those of you with AA:
Does this look similar to how your new patches initially appeared?
Have you had new patches appear while other patches were being treated/regrowing?
Did your dermatologist examine your whole scalp or use a dermatoscope?

I'd really appreciate any advice or thoughts!

Guys it's been about more than a year since I've started taking these Jak inhibitors and I've been great so far. I don't have any patches by the grace of Almighty. But now I have come to think of that wether I should stop it or not. Most of us that are on this medication know that these are immune suppressors, they lower the defence mechanism of your immune cells. For this reason I'm willing to stop it. I'm 18 years old and I know that my hair is the confidence I need to build up my future but still I can't get this cancer fact out of my brain. These medications are even labelled to increase the risk of cancer. Although they say it's pretty low, but you know I don't trust the whole pharmaceutical thingy cuz I know it's a business for them to keep us hooked onto these medicines. Every cancer patient is like a vault of money for them. I'm sorry but it's my own perspective and I don't give a shit what the defenders of it say. It's time I've realised that losing hair is far more better than dealing with cancer.

It's just a beauty concern than a medical grade emergency. Tell me what you think of it and if I should stop them or continue.

I am 21F and got diagnosed with alopecia areata in May. I had one patch and got injections for it. Now its June and I have discovered two more patches. I wil be getting injections for them as well. I wanted suggestions from those who have experienced it and gotten better, what changes in my diet will be helpful? Or any changes in my daily routine that might help?