Final answer:
Tinea Barbae, also known as barber's itch, is a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes affecting the beard area and sometimes the scalp. While similar fungi are responsible for athlete's foot and jock itch, tinea barbae causes itchy red lesions on the face and neck, treatable with antifungal medications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tinea barbae is a superficial fungal infection that affects the bearded areas of the face and neck, and sometimes the scalp. This infection is caused by a variety of dermatophytes, a group of fungi that feed on keratin found in skin, hair, and nails, and is often referred to colloquially as ringworm due to the characteristic red ring they cause on the skin. These dermatophytes include genera such as Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton.
Common dermatophytic infections include conditions like athlete's foot and jock itch, and these superficial mycoses are typically treated with antifungal creams or powders. If over-the-counter treatments are ineffective, a doctor may prescribe oral medications.
It's important to note that despite being called ringworm, the condition is not caused by a worm; it's purely a fungal infection. When it affects areas like the beard, it can lead to itchy, red lesions that may be accompanied by hair loss in the infected area.