Tinea barbae, also known as ringworm of the beard, is a fungal infection that affects the hair follicles in the beard area of the face and neck. It is caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that can invade and grow on keratin-rich tissues such as hair, nails, and skin. Tinea barbae presents as red, itchy, and scaly patches on the skin, often accompanied by hair loss in the affected area.