Barber’s itch also known as tinea Barbera is a fungal skin condition of hair and hair follicle that affects the bearded and moustache area and can cause discomfort.
The disease is a type of dermatophytosis and is most often caused by two species of fungi Trichophyton mentagrophytes or Trichophyton verrucosum.
It primarily spreads through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated objects. Sharing razors, towels, or other grooming tools can facilitate the transmission of fungi that are responsible for this condition.
The infection most commonly occurs in old teens and adult males. It is characterized by inflammation of the hair follicles, leading to itching, redness, and the development of small bumps or blisters.
This article will cover homeopathic remedies for Barber’s itch, the cause behind it, symptoms, risk factors, prevention, and management, shedding light on this dermatological condition and providing you with valuable insights into maintaining healthy skin.
Types of Barber’s itch
Barber’s itch is a fungal skin condition that is spread through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated objects. There are two main types of Barber’s itch; superficial hair follicle infection and deep hair follicle infection.
Superficial hair follicle infection.
This type of barber’s itch affects the upper portion of the hair follicle and the surrounding skin.
It typically presents as small pustules or papules around the hair shafts, which may be itchy and painful. The infection often leads to inflammation and crusting of the affected area.
Deep Hair follicle infection.
This type of barber’s itch affects the deeper portion of the hair follicle, extending into the dermis.
It is characterized by larger pustules, nodules, or abscesses that may be filled with pus.
The affected area is often more painful and may lead to scarring or permanent hair loss.
Causes of Barber’s itch and how it spreads?
As we know barber’s itch is a fungal skin condition and is most often caused by two species of fungi Trichophyton mentagrophytes or Trichophyton verrucosum.
These fungi thrive in warm and humid environments, such as barbershops or places with poor hygiene.
Fungus is the root cause of barbers itch but there are some different factors also present that help to increase the risk of development of barber’s itch and its spread. They are mentioned below.
1. Direct contact
Almost all types of fungal infections are spread by touching. Direct contact with an infected person may cause the transmission of infection to a healthy person.
When a person touches the lesion of an infected person by hand and then later touches his face then there will be a high chances of transmission of the infection.
2. Indirect contact
Other than skin-on-skin contact, indirect contact is also one of the major causes of the spread of barber’s itch.
The infection can be transmitted by sharing razors, towels, and other grooming tools. This is most seen in boys hostel, billets, etc. where boys live together and share each other’s kinds of stuff.
3. Poor hygiene
Other than direct and indirect contact, insufficient hygiene practices may also cause the transmission and spread of barber itch.
Maintaining poor hygiene such as not properly cleaning hair grooming tools or not washing one’s face and neck regularly, using other towels and razors, etc. can increase the risk of barber’s itch or tinea Barbera
4. Clogging of hair follicles
Barber’s itch can also occur when shaved hair curls back into the skin, leading to inflammation and irritation.
This happens when the hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria.
The curly hair then pierces the skin, causing redness, bumps, and itching.
5. Improper shaving technique
Improper shaving techniques, such as shaving too closely or against the grain, can increase the likelihood of developing barber itch.
Shaving too frequently or using dull blades can also contribute to the risk.
Signs and symptoms of Barber’s itch
- Dryness of the skin
- Clogged hair follicles
- Redness of the affected area
- Inflammation and pain
- Burning pain in the affected area
- Appearance of pustules or pimples
- Severe itching
- Roughness of bearded area
- Ringworm like rashes
- Circular rashes
- Bumps on the affected part
- Bumps filled with pus
- Scarring or hyperpigmentation
- Mild fever is also very common
Risk factors of Barber’s itch
While Barber’s itch or tinea Barbera can affect older teen and adult males, certain factors increase the risk of developing this condition.
Insufficient hygiene or poor hygiene practices is a significant risk factor. Other several factors can increase the risk of developing barber’s itch.
1. Occupation
Individuals who work as barbers, hairdressers, or in occupations involving close contact with hair are at higher risk due to repeated exposure to infected hair and scalp.
2. Poor hygiene
Insufficient hygiene practices, such as not properly cleaning hair grooming tools, or not washing one’s face and neck regularly, can increase the risk of barber’s itch.
3. Weakened immunity
Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, are more susceptible to fungal infections, including barber’s itch.
4. close contact
Sharing personal items, such as towels or combs, with infected individuals, or having close physical contact with them can increase the risk of transmission.
Diagnosis of Barber’s itch or Tinea Barbera.
The diagnosis of Barber’s itch or tinea Barbera begins with a complete medical history regarding onset, modalities, and severity of the symptoms and performing a physical examination.
If you suspect tinea barbers or have any concerns about your skin health, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Diagnosing a barber’s itch is usually straightforward and can be done through a physical examination of the affected area.
Your healthcare provider may ask about your shaving habits, skincare routine, and any previous skin conditions.
Diagnosing a barber’s itch often involves a combination of clinical evaluation, physical examination, and laboratory tests.
These diagnostic tools help healthcare professionals determine the underlying cause and severity of the condition.
The doctor will inspect the affected area, looking for characteristic symptoms such as pustules, papules, or nodules. They may also take a sample of the skin or hair for microscopic examination or send it for culture to determine the specific fungus causing the infection.
Timely intervention can help prevent the progression of barber itch and minimize the impact on your skin health.
Prevention and management of Barber’s itch
- Preventing barber’s itch primarily involves adopting good hygiene practices and minimizing exposure to potential sources of infection.
- Regularly clean and disinfect hair grooming tools such as clippers, combs, razors, scissors, using appropriate cleaning agents.
- Wash your face and neck thoroughly with a gentle cleanse and warm water after each haircut or beard-trimming session. This helps remove any potential fungal spores or infected hair particles.
- Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure by using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing. Practice good hygiene by regularly cleansing and moisturizing your skin.
- Avoid sharing personal items. Do not share towels, combs, or other personal grooming items with others, as this can increase the risk of infection transmission.
- Avoid shaving or trimming the infected areas until the infection has resolved. These activities can aggravate the condition and delay the healing process.
- If you frequently visit barbershops or hair salons, consider using your grooming tools to minimize the risk of infection transmission.
- Additionally, be observant of the hygiene practices in the establishment and choose a reputable and clean facility.
- Proper counseling and assurance to the patients along with proper management can help a lot in recovery from such a condition.
Best homeopathic medicine for Barber’s itch
Homeopathy is a holistic system of medicine that treats not only the symptoms of the disease but also the man who is suffering from the disease.
So, after a complete detailed history of present and past disease and considering the family history, a drug is prescribed which will be based on the individualization of every patient.
In mild cases, improvement can be seen within weeks, whereas in severe cases of tinea Barbera or barber’s itch, the improvement will take a longer time. Along with homeopathic medicine, patients must follow a healthy regimen for optimum results.
Now, let us go through some of the homeopathic medicines that can help to treat Barber’s itch. Some of the best homeopathic medicines for the treatment of this condition are mentioned below: –
- Graphites
- Tellurium
- Natrium carb
- Sulfur
- Calcarea sulph
- Phytolacca
- Rhus tox
- Sepia
- Silicea
- Thuja occidentalis
1. Graphites: for persistent dryness of skin
Graphites is an indicated homeopathic medicine for treating almost all types of dermatological conditions. It Is highly indicated in case of curing persistent dryness of the skin which sometimes causes itching.
Graphites can be prescribed when patients have developed pimples, or pustules around the affected area of the skin. Hence, this medicine will work wonders to cure barber’s itch where there is inflammation and the development of pus-filled eruptions on the beard and mustache area.
It can also be given when there is phlegmonous erysipelas of the face with burning and stinging pain.
If we see the mental symptoms of the patients of Graphites then there is great timidity, apprehensiveness and despondency will be well marked. When music makes the patient weep then it will confirm the prescription of graphite.
Dosage and potency: 30c, 200c 4 globules (pills) dissolved in half a cup of water 2 times a day for 15 days.
2. Tellurium: for ringworm like eruption
Tellurium is a marvelous homeopathic medicine for treating barber’s itch. It is highly indicated when there are herpetic spots, ringworm, or ring-shaped lesions on the bearded or mustache area.
Tellurium is a homeopathic medicine that has marked action on the skin. It is not only effective on ringworms but also for treating itching of the palm, offensive foot sweat, and eczema of the back of the ear.
Tellurium can be prescribed when there is slow development of symptoms.
When patients feel a stinging pain in the skin along with circular patches of eczema, ringworm, or eruption then this medicine will wonder.
Dosage and potency: 200c, 4 globes of tellurium in half a cup of water thrice a day till the symptoms disappear. Take 15 minutes gap between meals and medication.
3. Natrium carbonicum: for vesicular eruption in patches
Natrium carb is an effective medicine for treating ringworm-like eruption, which is why it is the most prescribed medicine in treating barber’s itch.
This medicine can be indicated when the patient is inclined to perspire easily or has dry, rough, cracked skin. This medicine can be given in cases where the patient develops vesicular eruptions in patches and circles around the main lesion.
When we consider the mental symptoms of the patient then on the mental plane there is mental weakness and depression, worries, and sensitivity to noise is well marked.
Dosage and potency: 30c, 200c, take 4 drops of dilution in half a cup of water twice a day, till the improvement is seen.
4. Sulphur: for ringworm better by arm application and worse after bathing.
Sulfur is a polychrest remedy and known as the king of antipsoric remedies in homeopathy. It has marvelous action on almost all parts of the body but mostly it is prescribed to treat dermatological conditions.
This medicine can be indicated when patients experience burning stinging pain along with itching on the affected area of the skin. It is highly effective in case of barber itch where the patient experiences a burning itchy sensation on the bearded area. If there is marked hair loss seen along with ringworm then Sulphur is the remedy.
If the patient feels better when he applies a warm application on the affected area and the condition becomes worse or aggravated after taking a bath or after washing the face then Sulphur is the remedy
Dosage and potency: 200c potency take 4 globules (pills) twice a day till the improvement occurs.
5. Calcarea sulph: for matter pimples under the hair.
Calcarea sulph is one of the tissue salt remedies in homeopathy. It is usually indicated in cases of eczema and torpid glandular swelling. In the case of lupus vulgaris, mucus discharges are yellow, thick, and lumpy.
This medicine is highly effective in case of barber’s itch or tinea Barbera when sometimes the patient develops little pimples under the beard, which bleed when scratched.
This medicine can also be prescribed for treating acne-like pimples and pustules on the face and herpes. When unhealthy, discharging pus, does not heal readily then this medicine will work wonders to fasten the recovery.
Dosage and potency: 200c or 1m potency of dilution, take 2-3 drops of calc sulph in half a cup of water one time a day for 3 days.
6. Phytolacca: for dryness of skin that becomes shrunken and pale.
Phytolacca which is commonly known as poke root is best known for its action on glands. It is pre-eminently a glandular remedy and has also a powerful effect on fibrous and osseous tissue.
This medicine can also be indicated to treat the skin condition including fungal skin diseases like tinea Barbera or barber’s itch. When the patient’s skin becomes dry, shrunken, and pale and when the affected area itchs severely then this medicine can be given. It is most useful in the early stages of cutaneous disease.
On the mental plane, the patients of Phytolacca are indifferent to life, they behave strangely with their near ones and loved ones. There is a loss of personal delicacy, and disregard of surrounding objects.
Dosage and potency: 30c, 200c potency, take 2-3 drops of dilution in half a cup of water and take twice a day till the improvement.
7. Rhus Toxicodendron: for burning eczematous eruption itch tendency to scale.
Rhus Toxicodendron is a wonderful remedy for treating a barber’s itch. When a patient develops tiny red, swollen itchy bumps on the face after shaving then this medicine will cure the condition.
Rhus tox is usually indicated medicine in rheumatic conditions and affection of mucus membrane but, it also does wonders in curing dermatological conditions.
In case of septic condition, cellulitis, and infection after shaving this medicine can be given to the patient. Also, when there are burning eczematous eruptions with a tendency to scale.
When the patient feels better by warm application and the condition becomes worse during the rainy season then rhus tox is the remedy
Dosage and potency: 30c, 200c, 4 globules (pills) of rhus tox twice a day till the improvement is seen. You can take dilution also. Take 10 drops of dilution in half a cup of water once a day for 10 days.
8. Sepia: a fungal infection that appears every year during spring.
Sepia is one of the polychrest remedies and is highly effective in treating fungal infections like ringworm. It can be prescribed to treat barber’s itch when there is severe itching and scratching not relieve the itch.
It is best suited to the person tending to develop fungal infection every year in the spring season. The patient also complains about offensive foot sweat.
Symptoms become worse after doing laundry work or cold bathing and become better after sleep or doing exercises.
Dosage and potency: – 200c, 1 M potency, take 4 globules directly on the tongue once a day for 15 days.
9. Silicea: for barber’s itch along with peeling of skin.
Silicea is one of the tissue salts and highly effective medicine in treating the fungal infection that develops on the mustache and bearded areas.
This medicine is highly beneficial in treating cases of ringworm with suppurative eruption around it and peeling of skin when the patient scratches the skin. There is pain in the lesion along with itching.
When sepia is given in case of barber’s itch then it will heal the skin lesion provide relief in pain and control further progression of complaint.
Dosage and potency: take Silicea 6x, 4 tablets twice daily for 1 month or until the improvement is seen.
10. Thuja: for tinea Barbera along with pimples.
Thuja is also known as the king of antipsychotic remedies and is best known for treating condyloma growth on the skin, warts, and moles. It is also very effective in treating fungal infections of bearded, mustache, and neck areas.
Patients needing thuja may have pimples around the main lesion or hard nodes which itch immensely and there is a burning sensation also.
On the metal plane, the patients of thuja seem very emotional and sensitive. They have fixed ideas and do not want to be touched or being approached by any stranger.
Dosage and potency: 2OOC and 1m of Thuja are effective, take four globules under the tongue, once a day for two weeks or until the improvement appears.