Beard Hair Loss: Causes & Treatment

Having a full, healthy beard is a symbol of masculinity for many men, and has long been associated with vitality and strength but experiencing beard hair loss can be distressing.  This phenomenon, medically known as Alopecia barbae, can lead to distress and self-consciousness. In this article, we will delve into the causes, alopecia beard regrowth treatment, and solutions for beard hair loss, providing you with  insights into solutions and available options.

Beard Hair Loss Causes:

Some common causes of Alopecia barbae include:

1. Genetics: Just like with scalp balding, genetics play a big part in beard hair loss. The likelihood of inheriting this condition is higher if male relatives have had similar problems.
2. Alopecia Barbae:  is an autoimmune condition where your hair follicles are attacked by your own body, causing patchy hair loss. where the immune system of the body assaults hair follicles, resulting in hair loss in specific places, such as the beard.
3. Stress and hormonal changes: Prolonged stress can cause hormonal imbalances and fluctuations, such as low testosterone levels wich contribute to the thinning or loss of facial hair. Cortisol, which has been shown to affect the cycles of hair growth, is also released when stress levels are high.
4. Skin conditions: Skin problems like eczema or fungus infections like tinea barbae or ringworm in the beard is a very rare fungal infection, which can cause bald patches in the beard. The appearance of bald spots is usually accompanied by scaling, redness, pus formation and hair loss.
5. Nutritional Deficiencies: Weakened hair follicles and subsequent beard hair loss can be the result of a diet lacking in vital nutrients like biotin and vitamins.
6. Other alopecias: There is a chance that an alopecia that affects your scalp hair or another area of your body could progress to Alopecia Barbae.
7. Chemotherapy: Most commonly used to treat cancer, chemotherapy can lead to varying degrees of hair loss all over the body including the beard. Different people react differently to chemotherapy. While some people may completely lose their hair, others only have patches of thinning hair or hair loss.

Read also: Male baldness: causes and treatment methods

What is Alopecia Barbae? Understanding Alopecia Barbae

Alopecia barbae, a subtype of alopecia areata that only affects facial hair. This condition can manifest as hair loss occurs in small circular patches, often along the jawline, though you may lose all of your beard hair. Your beard may be the only area affected by the hair loss, or it may spread to other areas like your scalp or face, raising distressing aesthetic issues.

 While the exact cause of Alopecia Barbae remains elusive, it is believed to be an autoimmune system. Some people's immunological systems wrongly target the hair follicles, causing damage over time that leads to hair loss for reasons that are yet unclear to scientists today. Autoimmune disorders are caused when the body’s immune system, which usually fights off harmful pathogens in a process called inflammation, ends up attacking the body itself.

Beard Hair Loss Due to Alopecia Barbae

Beard hair loss due to Alopecia Barbae is not uncommon. Those grappling with this condition experience sudden and often unpredictable hair loss in the beard area. The loss can range in size from small patches to larger areas of exposed skin. The number of bald spots depends on the severity of your condition. One or more patches of your facial hair, or even more, may show signs of beard hair loss. Common signs include hairless spots on your neck, cheeks, moustache, and beard. Beard alopecia can be emotionally taxing, but it's important to remember that regrowth is frequently possible and that most hair loss is not permanent.

What are the symptoms of Alopecia Barbae?

Alopecia Barbae manifests with diverse beard hair loss severity, ranging from full loss to minor patches. Typically, it commences with one or two patches. Its primary symptoms include coin-sized circular bald patches, often with only white hairs remaining in these areas. Surrounding the patches are exclamation mark hairs. Those affected might experience a tingling sensation and itchiness in the impacted regions.

Diagnosis of Alopecia Barbae: 

Alopecia barbae can be identified by a physician or dermatologist. This may sometimes be accomplished by using a microscope to examine your hair samples and hair loss.

A scalp biopsy or a blood test may be required to check for indications of an infection or an underlying medical problem, such as an autoimmune illness. A thyroid issue or a fungal infection are two more illnesses that might be examined for.

Effective alopecia barbae treatment

Beard hair loss requires a multifaceted approach to be treated. The first step is to have a consultation with a dermatologist or trichologist. They can diagnose the specific cause of hair loss and recommend appropriate treatments. In general there isn’t a cure for people with Alopecia Areata Barbae, but there are treatment options that help the symptoms go away, and inhance alopecia beard regrowth. Some effective treatments include:

• Lifestyle Modifications: Hair growth can benefit from both adopting a balanced diet and reducing stress.
• Topical Solutions: Over-the-counter and prescription topical treatments, such as minoxidil, can stimulate hair growth and strengthen follicles, and can be used on the beard area.
• Steroid Injections: In cases of Alopecia Barbae, corticosteroid injections are administered directly into bald patches to reduce inflammation and promote hair regrowth.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: This innovative procedure involves injecting concentrated platelets from your own blood into the affected area to stimulate hair growth.

Exploring Beard Transplants (Beard Transplant for Beard Loss)

Alopecia barbae caused by an autoimmune disease that doesn’t recognise the body’s own hair follicles, so attacks them. Unfortunately, your immune system will still battle your hair follicles even if you move your hair to a different part of your beard. Because of this, Alopecia Barbae patients are not advised to get a hair transplant.

On the other hand, if you have a patchy beard that isn’t caused by alopecia barbae, then a beard hair transplant is recommended in this case. If you want to thicken or fill in any gaps in your beard, this hair restoration technique is perfect for you.

Hair follicles from other body areas, usually the scalp, are transplanted to the beard region during this surgery. Once established, the transplanted follicles will produce beard hair on their own.

Experienced medical personnel should carry out this procedure since it calls for accuracy and knowledge. A permanent remedy to hair loss is offered by this alternative, which also produces results that seem natural.

See also: Beard and Moustache Transplant in Turkey

Pharmaceutical Solutions for Alopecia Barbae

Several medicinal treatments in the fight to cure Alopecia Barbae have showed promise. Results may differ from person to person, so speaking with a dermatologist before starting any treatment is essential. As above mentioned, corticosteroid creams, for example, can aid in reducing swelling and stopping the immune system's assault on hair follicles. In a similar vein, minoxidil, a topical drug frequently used to promote scalp hair restoration, can also help to promote beard hair growth. Additional choices include:

• Immunosuppressants: Drugs that can suppress the immune system and lessen inflammation include methotrexate.
• JAK Tofacitinib and other oral drugs known as janus kinase inhibitors can reduce immunological responses that lead to hair loss.

Living with Alopecia Beard

We advise you to consider treatment options with your doctor because having any kind of alopecia may have an impact on your confidence and general wellbeing. There is currently no known cure for beard patchiness, however there are medical and cosmetic procedures that can assist to lessen the symptoms and enhance the condition.

ILAJAK Packages: Transforming Beard Transplants

ILAJAK, a renowned name in medical aesthetics, offers comprehensive packages for beard transplants, At ILAJAK, we understand the emotional toll of beard hair loss. Our specialized beard transplant packages are designed to offer tailored solutions for those seeking to regain their facial hair and confidence. With a team of experienced professionals, advanced techniques, and a commitment to client satisfaction, ILAJAK is a trusted partner in your journey towards a fuller, rejuvenated beard.

Conclusion

Losing one's beard due to alopecia barbae, or the condition, can be upsetting for men. It is essential to understand the causes and available solutions in order to solve this issue. Dietary adjustments, transplant operations, and topical medications are just a few of the many paths people might follow to regaining a full and self-assured beard. Treatments are available for men who are losing their beards and may enable them to regrow both facial hair and self-confidence. Don't allow beard hair loss define you; take control of your journey to a robust, revitalized beard. Have a conversation with a medical specialist to determine the best course of action.