Causes & Treatment for Bald Patch in Beard
Patchy beard
Bald spots or patchy beards can be caused by a variety of factors. The most prevalent causes are alopecia, ringworm, and chemotherapy.
This article will go over these factors in greater depth, as well as how to treat beard hair loss and when to consult a doctor.
Bald spots in a person's beard can be caused by a variety of factors. The following are some of the most common causes:
Alopecia areata
Hair loss is caused by alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease. It is not a contagious disease. The majority of people develop the disease as children.
The disorder develops when the immune system, the body's natural defense, destroys the hair follicles, causing the hair to fall out.
It usually results in round or oval bald patches on the scalp, but it can occur anywhere on the body. Doctors name it "alopecia barbae" when it affects the beard.
Alopecia affects about 2 out of every 100 persons at some point in their lives.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a common skin ailment caused by fungi. Any portion of the body can be affected. It's called "tinea barbae" when it affects the beard.
Symptoms usually appear after 4–14 days.
when the person has come into contact with the fungus Infection can come from a variety of places, including:
- A ringworm sufferer: If you have a ringworm, don't share your clothes, towels, hairbrushes, or other personal belongings.
- A ringworm-infected animal: Ringworm can be given to people by animals such as cats, dogs, cows, goats, pigs, and horses.
- The natural world: Ringworm-causing fungus thrive in wet environments like locker rooms and public baths.
Ringworm of the beard is a rare occurrence. It is especially common in hot, humid areas.
Males are the most commonly infected with Tinea barbae. Females with black, coarse hair on their face and neck, on the other hand, may be affected.
Chemotherapy
One of the most popular cancer therapies is chemotherapy. Hair loss is a common side effect, which doctors refer to as "chemotherapy-induced alopecia" (CIA). It can affect the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and beard, among other areas of the body.
The extent of hair loss is determined by the following factors: the prescription or combination of pharmaceuticals provided by healthcare professionals; the dosage; and how the person's body reacts to the drug or drugs.
Chemotherapy does not cause hair loss in everyone, although it does in some people. Some people have minor shedding that is barely evident, while others may completely lose their hair or beard.
Symptoms
Bald patches in the beard may appear suddenly or gradually over time. The size of the bald patch may also vary. Additional symptoms may emerge as a result of the bald patch's cause. Other symptoms that each illness can induce are discussed in the sections below.
Alopecia
Alopecia can cause indents in the fingernails in some persons. In Addition to the hair falling out, there are normally no other symptoms, however some people claim that their skin becomes irritated or red before it falls out.
Ringworm
A ringworm infection can cause the following symptoms:
- itchy skin that is red, scaly, or cracked hair loss a circular rash that looks like rings uncomfortable skin that is red, scaly, or cracked skin
- Tinea barbae can cause scaly, itchy, red spots on the cheeks, chin, and top of the neck, among other things. These areas could be crusty or pus-filled.
Chemotherapy There are usually no other symptoms associated with CIA. It is impossible to predict whether chemotherapy may result in hair loss or thinning before treatment begins.
A simple check by a healthcare professional will typically be enough to diagnose the source of a bald patch in the beard.
The sections below will go over how each illness might be diagnosed.
Alopecia barbae
A doctor or dermatologist can typically tell if someone has alopecia barbae by looking at their hair.
They might, for example, assess the extent of hair loss and inspect some hair samples under a microscope. This is usually a simple and quick process.
They may also do a skin biopsy or a blood test to rule out an infection or underlying medical problem, such as autoimmune disease.
Ringworm
A doctor will examine your skin to determine if you have ringworm. They might also scrape a piece of skin off to examine under a microscope.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy often causes hair loss as a side effect. Although this treatment does not affect everyone, in those who are affected, hair often begins to fall out 1–3 weeks after treatment begins.
Treatments
A doctor may be able to prescribe drugs to address hair loss after determining the source of a bald patch in the beard.
People may want to try these drugs or home treatments in some instances. In other cases, they may wish to shave their beard in order to prepare for hair loss.
The therapy options for each illness will be discussed in the sections below.
Alopecia
People with mild forms of alopecia may be prescribed steroid creams by their doctors. They may prescribe steroid injections or tablets in more severe situations.
Ringworm
To treat mild-to-moderate instances of ringworm, people can use over-the-counter antifungal creams, powders, or ointments. Clotrimazole, miconazole, and terbinafine, for example, can usually cure up the infection in 2–4 weeks.
If necessary, a doctor may prescribe a stronger antifungal medicine. Tablets are the most common type of such drugs. It may take 1–3 months for them to recover from the infection.
Before beginning chemotherapy treatment, some people choose to shave their beards. It is less distressing to do this than to watch it fall out.
Take Away
Bald patches in the beard can be caused by a variety of factors. Alopecia, ringworm infections, and chemotherapy treatment are among them.
For mild beard loss, you can use beard hair growth oil too!
Beard hair loss is usually not permanent. The majority of persons with alopecia will recover completely, though hair loss may return over time. It is important to have proper beard care.
A ringworm infection can be treated with over-the-counter medications, but if the infection does not cure within a few weeks, a doctor should be consulted.
The CIA is usually only in place for a short period of time. After the treatment, the hair usually grows back, however it may be altered in color and texture for up to a year.
