#Describe the symptoms of ringworm of the bearded region.# Ringworm of the bearded region (_tinea trichophytina barbae_, _tinea sycosis_, _parasitic sycosis_, _barber's itch_) begins usually in the same manner as ringworm on other parts, as one or more rounded, slightly scaly, hyperaemic patches. In rare instances the disease may persist as such, with very little tendency to involve the hairs and follicles; but, as a rule, the hairy structures are soon invaded, many of the hairs breaking off, and many falling out. From involvement of the follicles, more or less subcutaneous swelling ensues, the parts assuming a distinctly _lumpy and nodular_ condition. The skin is usually considerably reddened, often having a glossy appearance, and studded with few or numerous pustules. The nodules tend, ordinarily, to break down and discharge, at one or more of the follicular openings, a glairy, glutinous, purulent material, which may dry to thick, adherent crusts. [Illustration: Fig. 71. Ringworm Fungus (Microsporon) x 500. (_After Duhring._) Short, broken-off hair of scalp invaded with masses of free spores.] The disease may be limited to one patch, or a large area, even to the extent of the whole bearded region, becomes involved. The upper lip is rarely invaded. Ringworm of the bearded region is due to the trichophyton. [Illustration: Fig. 72. Ringworm Fungus (Trichophyton) x 300. (_After Duhring._) Short, stout hair of beard, with the root-sheath attached, showing free spores and chains of spores.] #To what is ringworm due?# To the presence and growth in the cutaneous structures of a vegetable parasite. Although the disease is contagious, individuals differ considerably as to susceptibility. It is much more common in children than in those past the age of puberty, ringworm of the scalp being limited to the former (rare exceptions), and tinea sycosis being a disease of the male adult. Until recently the ringworm was thought to be due to but one fungus--the trichophyton; it is now known that there are several forms of fungi, the main forms being the small-spored (microsporon Audouini) and the large-spored (trichophyton). Of this latter there are two main subvarieties--endothrix and ectothrix. The small-spored fungus is found as the cause in the majority of scalp cases; the endothrix also commonly invades the scalp integument. The ectothrix variety is usually derived directly or indirectly from domestic animals, and is chiefly responsible for body-ringworm, and for suppurative ringworm, whether upon the bearded region or elsewhere. #What is the pathology of ringworm?# On the general surface the fungus has its seat in the epidermis, especially in the corneous layer; upon the scalp and bearded region the epidermis, hair-shaft, root and follicle are invaded. The inflammatory action may vary considerably in different cases, and at different times in the same case.