Beard burn isn’t just a nuisance—it can be downright uncomfortable and even painful. In fact, not only can it cause physical discomfort, but it can also lead to emotional distress if you don’t know how to treat or prevent it.
If you have ever experienced the redness, irritation and itching caused by beard burn, then you know that this is something you want to avoid in the future.
Fortunately, there are several steps that one can take in order to reduce their risk of getting beard burn. In this article, we’ll look at what causes severe beard burn and how to treat it, as well as how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Table of Contents
What is Beard Burn?
Beard burn, also known as mustache rash, is a skin condition that often occurs in men who have recently grown out their facial hair. It is characterized by an itchy, burning sensation on the face, usually around the areas where facial hair grows.
This burning sensation can be accompanied by redness, irritation and inflammation of the affected area. In extreme cases, it can even lead to open sores or blisters on the skin.
The main cause is due to friction caused by rubbing against the skin when shaving or trimming the beard. It can also be caused by irritation from using certain chemicals such as shaving creams, aftershaves and gels that are not appropriate for sensitive skin types.
Beard burn can even happen on people without a beard. For example, if you as a bearded man are kissing someone, you may find that their skin becomes red and irritated due to the friction caused by the hairs on your face.
Causes of Beard Burn
Beard burn is a common skin irritation that results from prolonged contact with facial hair. It occurs when the facial hair rubs against the skin, causing it to become red, irritated, and inflamed. Common symptoms include itching, burning, and redness.
The most common cause of beard burn is improper shaving techniques. If one shaves in a hurry or uses a dull razor blade, it can pull on or irritate the skin. Shaving against the grain (i.e., shaving in the direction opposite to that which your beard grows) can also cause irritation and lead to beard burn.
Dry shaving (shaving with no lubrication) can be especially damaging as it causes friction between the blade and the skin, resulting in further irritation.
In addition to improper shaving techniques, certain environmental factors may also contribute to it.
Exposure to hot temperatures or harsh winds can cause tiny cracks in your skin which may act as sites for further irritation and inflammation caused by facial hair rubbing against them. Additionally, exposure to allergens such as pollen or animal dander can lead to an allergic reaction which could aggravate beard burn if present.
Certain medical conditions such as psoriasis or dermatitis can also make one more susceptible to developing beard burn due to their associated dryness and inflammation of the skin.
Finally, those who are prone to acne may have difficulty growing a full beard due to their increased risk of developing ingrown hairs which can lead to further irritation and inflammation of both the follicles and surrounding skin.
Symptoms of Beard Burn
In some cases, beard burn can also cause small bumps or pimples to form on the skin.
One of the most common symptoms of beard burn is an itchy sensation on the skin beneath the beard. This itching is usually accompanied by redness and painful burning that can worsen with movement or contact with fabrics or other irritants.
Other symptoms associated with beard burn may include: small bumps or pimples on the skin, raised red areas where hairs are pulling out of follicles, dry patches of skin that can be cracked or flaky, and tenderness in the affected area. In severe cases, blisters may form on the skin under the beard and become infected if not treated properly.
It is important to note that these symptoms are usually only present in individuals who have thick facial hair. Those with thinner beards may experience less discomfort due to decreased friction between their facial hair and their skin.
Treatments for Beard Burn
Treating beard burn typically involves soothing the affected area and reducing inflammation. Over-the-counter topical creams such as hydrocortisone creams, aloe vera gels or calendula ointments can be used to reduce itching, burning and redness.
For severe cases of beard burn, a doctor may prescribe a stronger topical steroid cream or an oral antihistamine such as Benadryl to reduce inflammation.
It is also important to practice proper shaving techniques in order to avoid further irritation of the skin. Shave with a sharp razor and always shave with the grain (i.e., in the direction that your facial hair grows).
Use lubrication such as shaving cream, moisturizing lotion, or baby oil to reduce friction between the blade and your skin. Additionally, avoid dry shaving as this can worsen irritation and inflammation of the skin.
Finally, it is important to maintain proper facial hygiene in order to reduce the risk of developing beard burn. Wash your face regularly with a mild cleanser and use a gentle moisturizer to keep your skin well hydrated.
If you are prone to developing ingrown hairs, try using an exfoliating scrub or a moisturizing shave cream to reduce the likelihood of hair becoming embedded in your skin. Doing so will help protect against further irritation and inflammation caused by facial hair rubbing against irritated skin.
How to Prevent Beard Burn
Preventing beard burn is largely dependent on following proper shaving techniques and maintaining good facial hygiene. As mentioned above, make sure to shave with a sharp blade and with the grain of your facial hair to reduce friction between the razor and your skin.
Use lubrication such as shaving cream or moisturizing lotion to further reduce this friction. Additionally, avoid dry shaving as this can worsen irritation and inflammation of the skin.
It is also important to maintain proper facial hygiene in order to keep your skin well hydrated. Make sure to wash your face regularly with a mild cleanser and use a gentle moisturizer for added hydration.
Finally, if you are prone to developing ingrown hairs, try using an exfoliating scrub or a moisturizing shave cream to reduce the likelihood of hair becoming embedded in your skin. Doing so will help protect against further irritation and inflammation caused by facial hair rubbing against irritated skin.
Tips for Reducing the Risk of Getting Beard Burn
To reduce the risk of developing beard burn, it is important to follow proper shaving techniques and maintain good facial hygiene. Use a sharp razor when shaving and always shave with the grain (i.e., in the direction that your facial hair grows).
Additionally, lubricate the area with a moisturizing lotion or baby oil before you begin shaving to reduce friction between the blade and your skin. Avoid dry shaving as this can worsen irritation and inflammation of the skin.
It is also important to maintain proper facial hygiene in order to reduce the risk of developing beard burn. Wash your face regularly with a mild cleanser and use a gentle moisturizer to keep your skin well hydrated.
If you are prone to developing ingrown hairs, try using an exfoliating scrub or a moisturizing shave cream to reduce the likelihood of hair becoming embedded in your skin. Doing so will help protect against further irritation and inflammation caused by facial hair rubbing against irritated skin.
Conclusion
Beard burn is a common condition that can be caused by improper shaving techniques or poor facial hygiene. It is important to practice proper shaving techniques and maintain good facial hygiene in order to reduce the risk of developing beard burn.
If you do develop symptoms, there are various treatments available such as topical creams and oral antihistamines to provide relief. If the symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Beard burn can be an uncomfortable condition, but with proper shaving techniques and facial hygiene it can be prevented. Following these tips will help ensure that your facial hair remains healthy and irritation-free.
FAQ – What is Beard Burn?
How does beard burn happen?
Beard burn is a condition that occurs when facial hair rubs against the skin, causing irritation and inflammation. It can be caused by improper shaving techniques such as using a dull razor or dry shaving, or it can be caused by poor facial hygiene.
What helps beard burn from kissing?
To reduce the risk of developing beard burn from kissing, make sure to maintain good facial hygiene and use a moisturizing lotion or baby oil to lubricate the area before kissing. Additionally, avoid dry shaving as this can worsen irritation and inflammation of the skin.
Is beard burn contagious?
No, beard burn is not contagious. It is caused by skin irritation from contact with facial hair and it can be prevented with proper shaving techniques and good facial hygiene.
