Having an empty spot in a beard is very common. A lot of men are facing this problem due to various reasons. No matter whether your beard is thick, thin, burly, or boisterous, bald spots can come in any type of beard. Several elements can lead to spots or patches in your beard. Some common causes of empty spots in the beard include ringworm and alopecia.
Why Does Your Beard Have a Bald Spot?
Do you know bald spots and patches can be caused by the following?
Alopecia
It is an autoimmune condition that leads to hair loss. This condition is not contagious. The majority of people develop the condition while they are young. The condition occurs when your natural defense or the immune system attacks the hair follicles. Alopecia causes the hair to fall out.
Ringworm
Fungi lead to ringworm. It is a common skin infection. When it affects your beard, it is tinea barbae. Symptoms develop around 4 to 14 days after you encounter fungus. If you have ringworm, avoid sharing your clothes, towels, hair brushes, or any other personal item.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is one of the crucial cancer treatments. It leads to hair loss frequently. It can affect your beard, eyebrows, scalp, and eyelashes. The extent of the hair loss depends on the drug or the combination of drugs you are taking.
Symptoms of Bad Spots and Patches
Bald patches in your beard can come over time suddenly. The patch might vary in size. The calls might also lead to additional symptoms. You can also use men’s beard oil to get rid of symptoms.
Alopecia
If you have alopecia, then you can also develop a fingernail indent. A type of non-scarring hair loss that causes smooth, round bald patches to appear in the beard, jawline, or neck.
Ringworm
The symptoms of ringworm infection include a circular rash that looks like a ring. It can also include itchy skin or hair loss.
Low testosterone levels
A low testosterone level can also lead to patchy beard growth. This can be caused by various factors, such as poor diet, stress, and illness.
Tips to fix the patches on your beard
After diagnosing the cause of the bald patch in the beard, the doctor can suggest medications. In some cases, people also try home remedies.
Alopecia
The doctor can prescribe steroids to treat mild cases of alopecia. In severe cases, you need to check steroid injections or tablets. Topical immunotherapy, minoxidil (Rogaine), oral JAK inhibitors, and anthralin are also more options to treat alopecia.
Beard oil
There are many beard oils available on the market that can help mask bald patches and create a more uniform appearance. You can use natural beard oil or special beard oil for growth in bald and patchy areas, which can stimulate hair growth.
Ringworm
For ringworms, you can use over-the-counter antifungal powders or creams. It can treat mild to moderate ringworm cases. If the ringworm is severe, you can use a strong antifungal medication. It is available in tablet form. To clear the infection, you have to take it for one to three months.
Eat a healthy diet
Find out if any deficiency or hormonal changes are occurring in your body, which can also be the cause of beard empty spots. A healthy diet with a balance of vitamins and nutrients can help your beard grow.
Wait and Brush your beard
First of all, let your beard grow for at least 3 months. As your beard grows out, the strands will intertwine and fill in bald and patchy areas. Daily combing with a beard brush or comb can also help train your beard hair to grow in a similar direction.
When do you need to see a doctor?
If you feel that the bald patch is affecting your life, you must see a doctor. The doctor can assess the security of your symptoms to understand their severity.
Alopecia
If you suspect that you have alopecia, you can connect with the doctor immediately. Several treatments are available.
Ringworm
You need immediate medical help if the infection is around for more than 2 to 4 weeks.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs might cause hair to grow back at a slow rate. In some people, it can also lead to permanent hair loss. If you feel your hair growth is way too slow, then you can speak to the doctor.
Several conditions can lead to bald patches in your beard. In the majority of cases, beard loss is temporary. If you have alopecia, you can also make a complete recovery with time.