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Tinea Barbae

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

Tinea barbae is an infection of the skin around the beard and mustache areas of the face.

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Causes

Tinea barbae is caused by specific type of fungi. It is passed to humans from farm animals that are infected with the fungi.

Risk Factors

It is more common in adult men. It is also more common in men who work with farm animals.

Symptoms

Problems may be:

  • Red, swollen sores around hair follicles in the beard and moustache
  • Sores filled with pus
  • Crusting

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on your face.

A culture or biopsy may be done to look for signs of infection.

Treatment

Tinea barbae is treated with antifungal medicine.

Prevention

To lower the chance of this infection:

  • People who work with farm animals should cover the bearded area of their face.
  • Wash the hands and face after working with farm animals.
  • Do not share razors.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

The College of Family Physicians of Canada
http://www.cfpc.ca
Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca

References:

Ely JW, Rosenfeld S, et al. Diagnosis and management of tinea infections. Am Fam Physician. 2014 Nov 15;90(10);702-710.
Folliculitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/folliculitis. Updated May 14, 2019. Accessed December 10, 2019.
Ringworm. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated April 7, 2017. Accessed December 10, 2019.
Tinea capitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/tinea-capitis. Updated May 13, 2019. Accessed December 10, 2019.
Last reviewed September 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board James Cornell, MD
Last Updated: 5/27/2020