ALOPECIA BARBAE
Alopecia Areata Barbae is another type of
Alopecia Areata that occurs on the facial hair. Obviously
affecting men all across geographical locations, Alopecia
Areata barbae is not contagious. Being an autoimmune
disorder Alopecia Areata Barbae affects hair follilces in
the same manner as any other part of the body. In simple
terms the the immune system of a person's body concerntrates
around the hair roots(follicles) at the affected area. This
results in the hair roots becoming inactive without any form
of production of new hair.
EPIDIMIOLOGY
Since facial hair is predominantly found in male human
beings, Alopecia Areata Barbae mainly occurs among males.
Similar to Alopecia Areata, men suffering this disorder are
generally healthy. In terms of general health these would
not be suffering from any other disease. This disorder can
occur at any age of a man's lifetime.
TYPES
Manly alopecia Areata Barbae may occur in two variations:
1. Single spot appearing on the beard.
2. Two or more (multiple) hairless spots on facial hair.
CAUSES
Since Alopecia Areata Barbae is a type of Alopecia Areata
the causes are still classified as possibilities. Stress has
been on of the most highly ranked possible causes. This has
been derived after numerous studies carried out on patients
with Alopecia Areata. Hereditary factor stands strong after
stress as possible causes Alopecia Areata Barbae. Although
non of the above had been conclusive, various studies and
observations are being carried out to identify the main
cause.
DIAGNOSIS
Unlike Alopecia Areata, this variant has a lesser surprise
element. This is especially clear on men who shave
frequenly. Since the facial hair loss is visible on neither
pillows nor combs, men will discover a hairless smooth spot
when they shave or feel their facial hair area with their
hands. Men who shave less frequently will notice the
diffence almost immediately. Alopecia Areata Barbae may
occur in one spot and sometimes in multiple spots. The spots
may even begin at one spot, later sreading to other areas.
As described above the person would be perfectly healthy
otherwise.
A much reliable way of diagnosing will be through a skin
biopsy. This method can only be carried by trained medical
practioner. A test is carried out on the sample of the skin
from the affected area. The result would reflect any
abnormal concerntration of T-cells around the area With
Alopecia Areata Barbae. Although this will confirm the
cause, this is only the preliminary step towards treating
the disorder.
TREATMENT
Treating Alopecia Areata Barbae will be more complicated.
This is is mainly due to its physical location being close
to our highly sensitive organs especially mouth, nose and
eyes. Since most of the current treatments are stronger in
nature it will be very risky. Some treatments have
significant side effects such as thinning of skin.
