Bald patch above eye (with pics) - how worried should I be?

[snowbunny36]

One of my cats has developed a bald patch above his eye in the past 24-48 hours. No obvious wound (but there has been a lot of fighting in recent months - he and his brother defending their territory against another neighbourhood mog). Skin underneath looks quite dry/scaly and today the whole area looks a bit swollen. He doesn't feel like he's running a temperature. I originally assumed the area was bald as he's been licking at it, and that his self-care would cure it, but starting to wonder whether it might require a(nother) trip to the vet...grateful for any second opinions!

Could possibly be ringworm? Looks similar to how it presented when it went through my cats years ago. Would suggest a vet visit.

My cat had a patch like this after my other cat scratched him above his eye, although it wasn't nearly as large a patch as yours. It soon grew in again so I would probably say monitor it and if it starts to get worse, or get a bit weepy as though it's infected, I would visit the vet.

Thanks for the replies. I'll give it another 24 hours and see what happens - possible photographic update same time tomorrow!

Although having just googled ringworm in cats @Grumpyoldpersonwithcats I fear you might be on to something...will also keep an eye out for suspect symptoms with the children!!

No idea I'm fraud, but just wanted to say that he's a lovely boy. Great bib he's got

It does look a bit ringworm-like to me.

Not only does he have a lovely bib, but he arranges his front legs so very tidily : ) He's a very dapper gentleman altogether!

Pending absolute via confirmation (pétri dish currently busy growing at vet's), yes we are working on it being ringworm so thank you for your swift diagnoses @grumpy and @utterley. Treatment seems to be taking effect fairly quickly though and he is noticeably happier today (see pic). Keeping a close eye on his brother for telltale signs of same though...