Alopecia Beard Treatments

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss on any part of the body. When it occurs to the facial hair on males, commonly called a beard, it is alopecia barbae. The condition results from a malfunction in the autoimmune system which causes the body to attack its own hair follicles. Hair loss to the beard is considered temporary and is generally confined to a small area. Various treatments exist to counteract the loss of hair.

Cortisone

• Cortisone injections to the spot on the face is one treatment. This treatment generally produces no side effects and new hair will start growing in four weeks if successful. Continued injections can cause the skin to thin so extended use may not be possible. For small areas a cortisone cream can be applied. The area on the face that has lost hair is generally smooth and the skin shows no effects from the hair loss. The hair follicles remain in place and can start growing at any time with or without injections. Successful hair growth from cortisone injections does not prevent new hair loss in other spots in the beard.

Topical Minoxidil

• Apply a five percent solution twice a day of topical minoxidil to regrow hair, according to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. A two percent solution will not be sufficient and will require cortisone cream 30 minutes following the minoxidil solution. It is considered safe and will not lower blood pressure in people with normal blood pressure. Like all treatments no guarantee is offered.

Anthralin

• Anthralin, either in cream or ointment form, is used for alopecia in the scalp. Hair growth occurs in some cases. The problem with using it on the face is the possible side effects of skin irritation and brown discoloration. Use in a very small unnoticeable area for a short time to determine if you encounter those side effects. Wash hands after use to avoid stains.

Experimental Approaches

• Experimental ideas continue to be considered, according to the American Hair Loss Association. One idea is a drug known as "biologics" which contains protein that interferes with immune cells. The theory behind the drug is to negate the effect of the immune system which would then allow the hair to grow. Testing will determine if the theory will work in practice. For the present one treatment remains that might work; that is no treatment while you wait for your autoimmune system to stop attacking your hair follicles.