Hello,
It can be due to tinea capitis or alopecia. Ringworm is a fungal skin infection that occurs on the face, body or scalp. The symptoms of Ringworm or Tinea Capitis include a dry itchy scalp, scaling, crusting, inflamed nodules, hair loss and tender enlarged lymph nodes on the neck. Get it evaluated from a trichologist to confirm the diagnosis.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.
Though not common in adults, this could be fungal infection (Tinea capitis) especially since there is an inflammation around.In Alopecia areata you do not get this.But then,certain irritant applications are prescribed to induce hair growth,and this possibly explain the redness around.
If it is Tinea capitis antifungals are prescribed,as oral medication.
Cheers.