Compare bushy beards and crusty spots, say (5)
I believe the answer is:
liken
'compare bushy beards' is the definition.
'liken' can be an answer for 'compare' (synonyms). I am unsure of the 'bushy beards' bit.
'crusty spots say' is the wordplay.
'crusty spots' becomes 'lichen' (type of skin disease producing crusty lesions).
'say' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'lichen' is a homophone of 'LIKEN'.
'and' is the link.
(Other definitions for liken that I've seen before include "Equate" , "Point out the resemblance (to)" , "Represent as similar" , "Compare" .)