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Beard Ringworm (Tinea Barbae)

(Barber's Itch)

By

Denise M. Aaron

, MD, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine

Reviewed/Revised Sep 2023
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Beard ringworm is a dermatophyte (fungal) infection, generally of the beard area.

Tinea barbae usually causes superficial, circular patches, but deeper infection may occur. Tinea barbae is rare. Most skin infections in the beard area are caused by bacteria, not fungi.

Diagnosis of Tinea Barbae

  • A doctor's examination of the beard area

  • Examination of plucked hairs or a culture

Doctors diagnose tinea barbae by examining plucked hairs under a microscope or by doing a culture Culture Doctors can identify many skin disorders simply by looking at the skin. A full skin examination includes examination of the scalp, nails, and mucous membranes. Sometimes the doctor uses a hand-held... read more Culture (the process of growing an organism in a laboratory for identification) or biopsy.

Treatment of Beard Ringworm

  • Antifungal medications taken by mouth

  • Sometimes a corticosteroid

Treatment of tinea barbae is with an antifungal medication, such as griseofulvin, terbinafine, or itraconazole, taken by mouth.

If the area is severely inflamed, doctors may add a corticosteroid such as prednisone taken by mouth to lessen symptoms and perhaps reduce the chance of scarring.

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Generic Name Select Brand Names
Fulvicin P/G, Fulvicin U/F, Grifulvin V, Grisactin, Gris-Peg
Desenex Max, Lamisil, Lamisil AT, Lamisil AT Athletes Foot, Lamisil AT Jock Itch, Terbinex
ONMEL, Sporanox, TOLSURA
Deltasone, Predone, RAYOS, Sterapred, Sterapred DS
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
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