Bald spots in the beard: What are the possibilities?

Hair loss in the beard area: bald spots

Hair loss can occur anywhere on the body. Certainly most people are familiar with hair loss occurring on the scalp. But what about the beard area?

For men with hair loss in patchy spots in the beard, there are two different scenarios that are commonly encountered

1. the individual once had much thicker and more uniform facial hair but now has bald spots

2. the individual never achieved even growth and areas of the beard are missing or 'patchy'

Scenario 1

Patients with previous thick hair and new onset bald spots need expert advice to determine the diagnosis. Conditions such as alopecia areata, lichen planopilaris are at the top of the list for possibilities. Such individuals CAN NOT be treated with a hair transplant as a first step.
 

Scenario 2

Patients who never achieved thick hair find that some areas are patchy frequently have thin beards on account of their genetics. These individuals CAN be treated with a hair transplant. Topical agents such as minoxidil (Rogaine) can also frequently be administered (under monitoring of a physician).