Alopecia Barbae

Alopecia barbae is a type of alopecia areata. It is a traumatic condition characterized by small hairless, round patches appearing in the beard. This article will give you information on alopecia barbae symptoms, causes and treatment.

Many a times we associate hair loss with stress and depression, but hang on people, there may be other serious causes too. Alopecia areata is one such condition which leads to partial or complete baldness. Alopecia barbae is a type of alopecia areata which causes hairless patches in beard. Both men and women are affected by alopecia areata, but alopecia barbae is obviously found only in men. Alopecia barbae symptom is evidently, appearance of circular hairless patches on the beard. Sometimes a feeling of burning sensation on the patches is also experienced. Let's take a look at the causes of alopecia barbae.

Alopecia Barbae Causes

Factors responsible for alopecia barbae have not been clearly identified yet. However, some studies suggest that heredity and autoimmune diseases might be responsible for causing this condition. A large number of people having a family history of this condition are found to be affected by it. Scientists suggest that our body produces antibodies with the advent of alopecia barbae. The antibodies get collected in one patch and attack the hair follicles or cells causing hair loss. Sometimes stress, depression and environmental changes are also said to accelerate this condition.

Alopecia Barbae Treatment

Many people ignore appearance of small hair less patches in the beginning. But this only aggravates the condition, as this patches go on increasing. Early diagnosis and treatment is a key to get over this distressing condition. The pattern of hair loss and skin biopsy will be enough for a doctor to start with alopecia barbae treatment.

Medications

Following are some of the medicines found to be effective against alopecia barbae, but these should be availed strictly under doctor's supervision.

Minoxidil - 5 percent is found to be an effective medication. It comes in a liquid form and needs to be rubbed onto the affected area at least twice in a day. This medicine helps in re-growing and also preventing further hair loss. Minoxidil medication can sometimes cause irritation.

Corticosteroids is a slightly painful treatment conducted usually by a dermatologist. Injections of corticosteroids are inserted onto the skin where hair loss is prominent. Injections are given on a monthly basis, which can result in hair growth. In some severe cases dermatologists can also prescribe corticosteroids pills to work along with the injections. Creams and ointments containing corticosteroids are available, but they are not as effective as the corticosteroid injection.

Anthralin (Drithocreme) is available in the form of a cream or ointment which is synthetic and tar based. This cream or ointment is to be applied on the bald patches of the skin, it will help new hair growth. This cream can lead to irritation of the skin, so should be applied only in appropriate quantity. If you discontinue applying this cream, hair growth will stop immediately.

Natural Remedies

Some natural home remedies can help to stimulate hair growth. Firstly, pay attention to your diet and live a healthy lifestyle. Foods rich in protein and iron enriched foods must be availed. Applying onion juice on the affected area can also trigger hair growth. Natural aloe vera is also another effective treatment option. Aloe Vera is know to promote hair growth, applying it on the affected area can also enhance skin quality. Mixture of thyme, lavender and rosemary oils, when massaged onto the affected areas, has shown hair growth, in some cases. A Chinese herb, called He Shou Wu, is an ancient ingredient used for treating hair loss condition, it can also be found effective in this case.

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If all the above treatments for alopecia barbae fail to work, one should not become over anxious, as the hair will start growing back after a year or so, without any treatment. So avoid unnecessary stress and enjoy a clean-shaven look for the time being.