Tinea barbae is a dermatophytic trichomycosis involving the beard and moustache areas, closely resembling tinea capitis, with invasion of the hair shaft.
Causes of Tinea Barbae
Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing, blockage of the follicle, or shaving. In most cases of folliculitis, the damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus (staph). Barber’s itch is a staph infection of the hair follicles in the bearded area of the face, usually the upper lip. Shaving aggravates the condition. Tinea barbae is similar to barber’s itch, but the infection is caused by a fungus. Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a disorder occurring primarily in Black men. If curly beard hairs are cut too short, they may curve back into the skin and cause inflammation.
Symptoms of Tinea Barbae
- rash (reddened skin area)
- pimples or pustules located around a hair follicle may crust over, typically occur on neck axilla, or groin area, may present as genital lesions
- itching skin
Diagnosis
A diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin. The skin infection is shallow and superficial. A culture of the lesion may show which bacteria or fungus are causing it. Sometimes, the diagnosis of ringworm is obvious from its location and appearance. Otherwise, skin scrapings for microscopic examination and a culture of the affected skin can establish the diagnosis of tinea or rule it out.
Treatment
Topical Agents Ineffective.
Systemic Agents See Tinea Manuum, Tinea Capitis.
References