Facial Hair loss

Hi there, My 24 year old boyfriend is really worried that he is getting white soft round spots with no hair in his eyebrows, beard/mustache area, and some in his head. He is slowly losing facial hair, and we are trying to figure it out if its related to his previous diagnosis of having oral herpes ( he had fever, mouth sores, weakness ) about 3 months ago. Is his loss of facial hair related to oral herpes? or is it something we should be worried about? Please help, his self confidence is going down , and is constanstly worried and checking his face in the mirror.

Thank you for your time !

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to fungal infection causing tinea capitis or due to alopecia totalis which cause hair loss from scalp and face. Tinea capitis is contagious and can spread direct contact with someone who has the condition, or if you touch contaminated items such as combs, hats, clothing, or similar surfaces. Diagnosis is by clinical examination of the scalp, KOH examination as well as a skin lesion biopsy with microscopic examination.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to fungal infection causing tinea capitis or due to alopecia totalis which cause hair loss from scalp and face. Tinea capitis is contagious and can spread direct contact with someone who has the condition, or if you touch contaminated items such as combs, hats, clothing, or similar surfaces. Diagnosis is by clinical examination of the scalp, KOH examination as well as a skin lesion biopsy with microscopic examination.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.