Beard rash

What is beard rash?

The bacteria most often responsible for beard rash are those usually found on the skin surface such as streptococci or staphylococci. These bacteria can’t normally penetrate the barrier that the skin forms but if the skin is broken during shaving the bacteria may get through the skin’s defenses and start an infection.

Some factors increase the risk of beard rash, such as using or sharing unclean razors, clippers, combs or scissors. Anything that reduces a person’s overall immunity may also increase the risk.

Symptoms

The skin on the beard area becomes red, itchy, sore, lumpy, and often very painful if small abscesses develop. The skin may be left scarred after the rash heals, unless it's correctly treated.

Treatment and recovery

Your GP will confirm the diagnosis for you and advise you on the most appropriate type of antibiotics. It's important to complete the whole course.

It can return after treatment, but there are a few things that usually prevent this from happening. Although you may prefer wet shaving, because it gives a clean feel to the skin, it does remove the top layer of skin, leaving nicks and scratches where bacteria can get in. Electric shaving is probably best for the time being since it's gentler on the skin. The best time to shave is after a bath or shower, when the skin is moist.

Tea-tree oil gel is a good antiseptic and has antibacterial benefits. Get yourself an aftershave that contains this. Never let other people use your shaving equipment and always keep it clean.