Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. In an autoimmune disease, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells; in this case, it attacks hair follicles. Alopecia barbae is a specific alopecia areata where the autoimmune system attacks the beard. This condition suddenly appears, and the patient loses beard hair in small circular patches.
What causes Alopecia Barbae?
As discussed above, in an Alopecia barbae patient, hair loss occurs in small circular patches, often along the jawline, though one may lose all the beard hair. This condition may stay isolated to the beard or can even affect the scalp or face.
The exact medical cause for any autoimmune disease is not known. The main effect of Alopecia Barbae is psychological and physical stress.
Genetics plays a huge role in autoimmune diseases. Other autoimmune complications are type 1 diabetes, lupus, and psoriasis.
Autoimmune diseases can be triggered by certain viruses, substances, or medications.
What are the symptoms of Alopecia Barbae?
About a quarter size bald patches appear. As hair loss increases, these circles will sometimes begin to overlap. The hair around the edges of the circular patches turns white.
At first, the patient experiences itchiness and pain, and later the hair fall starts.
The skin feels rough. As the condition becomes severe, the patient experiences redness, irritation, and inflammation in the bald spots.
Diagnosis
A dermatologist can diagnose alopecia barbae by looking at your hair loss and samples of your hair under a microscope.
The doctor might also get a scalp biopsy or a blood test for signs of an infection or an underlying medical condition, including an autoimmune disorder. Tests are done to determine if hair loss is due to fungal infections or thyroid disorders.
Treating Alopecia Barbae
One should know that the symptoms of alopecia barbae can be managed.
Hair Fall Treatments – These treatments are done to block the attack on the immune system and to stimulate hair growth. But these treatments are effective if you’ve lost less than half of your hair. After hair fall treatments, your hair may grow back and remain for a while, but it’s possible to fall out again. But it might take years for recurrences. Some patients have seen their hair grow back partially. The hair that regrows after treatment might have a different colour or texture. There are chances that the hair won’t grow back at all. Your age also determines how much hair can grow back.
Medications – Many hair loss medications are available. Please take them only after your doctor’s advice. The cause of hair loss determines the medication. You must take those medications if the cause is any infection. You can try many things on your own, which we will see below.
DIY remedies – These DIY remedies are easy to follow and rarely have side effects.
Garlic – Garlic has natural healing properties, which are useful in improving symptoms of alopecia barbae. A 2007 study has shown that garlic gel was effective in treating alopecia areata. When combined with a corticosteroid cream, Garlic gel showed significant improvements compared to the group that only used the corticosteroid cream.
Zinc and biotin supplements – Healthy hair growth is one of the indications of a healthy diet. Foods and supplements rich in zinc and biotin can promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. A daily dosage of mega-B vitamin that includes 30 milligrams of zinc, 3 milligrams of biotin, 200 milligrams of vitamin C, and < 1 milligram of folic acid is recommended.
Please also try the following to prevent hair loss:-
- Wheatgrass
- Aloe Vera
- Castor, Coconut, Or Almond Oil
- Lavender, Rosemary, And Geranium Essential Oils
- Fish Oil
- Probiotics
Living with Alopecia Barbae in
The main impact of Alopecia Barbae is more of an emotional one. It is OK to be concerned, so whatever you may be experiencing, go through it without judgment. It is important to be gentle with yourself during this time. Support groups provide a safe, trusting, comfortable environment for you and your loved ones to share and learn from personal experiences in dealing with alopecia barbae. One has to learn how to deal with and overcome the challenges that accompany this condition.
Alopecia barbae won’t put your health at risk, but it can be not easy to deal with emotionally. Experiment with different treatment options to see if one of them can offer you an improvement or solution. See a dermatologist or doctor when the alopecia barbae affects your quality of life. They can figure out the underlying cause, i.e. if it is due to autoimmunity or any infection, and devise an
treatment plan. Creating a healthy lifestyle is good for all aspects of physical and emotional health. HairSure Clinic provides counselling and all hair fall solutions for all age groups at cost-effective prices. Please visit our website https://www.hairsure.in/ or reach us at 040- 42020202, 9494020202, and hairsure123@gmail.com.
