Bald spots in a beard, characterized by localized areas of hair loss. While these patches may be unexpected, they often stem from identifiable causes.
Autoimmune Reactions
One common cause for localized beard hair loss is an autoimmune condition known as alopecia areata, known as alopecia barbae when it affects the beard. This condition occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy hair follicles. This disrupts the natural hair growth cycle, leading to hair shedding.
Alopecia barbae typically presents as smooth, round, or oval bald patches that can appear suddenly on the jawline, neck, or cheeks. These patches may expand over time or merge with other areas of hair loss. A distinguishing feature can be the presence of “exclamation mark hairs” around the edges of the bald spots, which are narrower at the base. This condition is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person. Genetics play a role, with a higher risk for individuals with a family history of autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes, lupus, or thyroid disorders.
Infections and Skin Conditions
Infections and inflammatory skin conditions can lead to bald spots within the beard. Tinea barbae, a fungal infection (beard ringworm), affects the hair and skin in the beard and mustache areas. This infection can cause red, scaly, and itchy patches, sometimes accompanied by pustules, crusting, or painful, inflamed lesions called kerions. Hair in affected areas may break off or become easily pulled out. Tinea barbae is typically transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, although human-to-human transmission is rare.
Bacterial folliculitis is an inflammation or infection of hair follicles, often caused by bacteria. This condition can lead to red bumps or pus-filled lesions, and if severe, may damage the hair follicles, resulting in localized hair loss or thinning. Pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor bumps) is an inflammatory condition occurring when shaved hairs curl back into the skin. While not a direct infection, severe cases of pseudofolliculitis barbae can cause significant inflammation and scarring, potentially leading to permanent bald spots.
Physical Stress and Injury
External physical factors can also contribute to bald spots in the beard. Traction alopecia results from consistent pulling or tension on the beard hair, which can damage the hair follicles over time. This hair loss might occur from tight styling, aggressive brushing, or habitual pulling of the beard. The repeated stress on the follicles can lead to hair thinning or permanent hair loss in the affected areas.
Physical injuries to the beard area can destroy hair follicles, leading to bald spots where hair cannot regrow. Cuts, burns, or severe acne can cause scarring, and scar tissue does not support hair growth. Surgical procedures or other forms of trauma that damage the skin and underlying follicles can result in permanent hair loss in the affected beard region.