BARBER'S ITCH Treatment

BARBER'S ITCH
(RINGWORM OF THE BEARD)

Barber's Itch or Ringworm of the Beard is a contagious disease caused by a parasitic fungus, beginning with inflammation in the hair follicles of the beard. It is more persistent than ringworm of the scalp or of the body, but fortunately it is not common. It may be contracted in insanitary barbershops.

Small superficial nodules appear, later becoming larger and more deep-seated because the parasites work down to the bottom of the follicles. Inflammation is general over the skin of the affected areas, but more marked over the nodules, which occur in groups. Usually a brittle hair projects from each nodule. It is loose and can be pulled out easily. The follicles may discharge thin pus. The disease causes considerable itching and discomfort, and it is sometimes mildly painful. A staphylococci infection of the bearded area may closely resemble ringworm of the beard, except that the hairs do not loosen. It requires different treatment. Partly because of this fact, self diagnosis is not easy, and self-treatment may not succeed. A dermatologist should be consulted.

BARBER'S ITCH TREATMENT

1. The person who suspects he may have barber's itch should guard others from infection, not letting them use his personal razor, toilet articles, or towels. After using these articles himself he should sterilize them.

2. Consult a physician.

3. Griseofulvin taken by mouth for four weeks under a physician's supervision is usually curative.