Hair loss is a common concern for all men and women. But when it affects facial hair, it can have a significant impact on any guy's appearance and self-confidence.
Alopecia Barbae, a form of alopecia areata, targets facial hair, causing round, oval, or patchy hair loss. In this blog, we will explore why Alopecia Barbae happens and its symptoms. Plus, we will talk about its medical treatments and home remedies to combat this nasty hair loss. Let's get started!
Understanding alopecia barbae
Medical experts consider Alopecia Barbae or beard Alopecia as an autoimmune condition. This is when your body's immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.
While the exact cause is still unknown, NIH research suggests that genetics, hormones, diet, and stress may contribute to its development. Thus, it is important to check your family's history of autoimmune diseases like this. In addition, it’s better to make necessary lifestyle changes from diet to work habits.
Signs of beard loss
Beard Alopecia can manifest gradually or suddenly. It typically starts with small circular patches in the beard area, which gradually enlarge over time.
The beard hair around the edges of these patches may become lighter or even white hairs. Some bearded men may experience itching, pain, skin irritation, inflammation, or redness in the affected areas. Thus, it may lead to severe Alopecia.
To accurately diagnose Alopecia Barbae, it is better to consult a doctor or a skin specialist who may conduct a thorough examination. They may even take a sample of your facial hair to rule out other conditions that could cause hair loss.
Effective treatments for Alopecia
While there is currently no known cure for Alopecia Barbae, you can still manage the symptoms and promote hair regrowth with the help of these medications and surgeries.
Corticosteroid
First on our list of medications is corticosteroid treatment. This could be in topical or injected use of anti-inflammatory drugs to suppress the immune system's response.
However, it's important to follow the prescribed dosage and directions from the packaging. Using this anti-inflammatory medicine too much can lead to serious side effects, such as rapid mood swings and muscle weakness.
Minoxidil and Diphencyprone
Another effective topical treatment is Minoxidil, available in liquid or foam form and applied directly to the affected areas. Diphencyprone, a medication that triggers an allergic reaction, is another option that can reduce inflammation and maintain hair follicle activity.
Cosmetic surgery and transplants
This last remedy is for aesthetic reasons mostly, but quite effective.
Cosmetic procedures can also help improve the appearance of patchy beards. Cosmetic tattooing, or micro pigmentation, offers a way to camouflage thinning areas, while facial hair transplants provide a long-term solution for hair loss.
Beard transplants require fewer grafts than traditional hair transplants and have shown promising results in filling patchy areas.
By trying these treatments, you can have a greater chance of improving your hair loss condition.
Stopping beard hair loss with home remedies
Now, if you don't have the means of doing the medical treatments we discussed, you can always go for natural treatments.
Protein and vitamins
For healthy hair growth as a vegan or vegetarian, aim for 40-60 grams of protein daily from sources like shakes, beans, eggs, and yogurt. Get tested for vitamin deficiencies in A, B, C, D, E, zinc, and iron. Take biotin forte with zinc, saw palmetto, calcium, and selenium.
Beard care routine
To ensure the health of your beard, it's important to practice good hair care habits. This includes avoiding harsh beard grooming products and tools like a flat iron.
You must look for a beard wash with mild ingredients that hydrate and promote healthy beard growth, such as aloe vera extract and coconut oil.
Final thoughts
Alopecia Barbae, a form of alopecia areata that affects facial hair, can be challenging to manage. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and available treatment options is crucial for men experiencing facial hair loss. But with the proper care and a healthy lifestyle, you can improve your beard's appearance in no time.
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