What’s Causing Your Beard Rash and How to Get Rid of It
Medically reviewed by William Truswell, MD
A rash is an irritated or swollen area of skin. It can be itchy, painful, or dry and appear red, pink, purple, gray, or white, depending on skin tone. A beard rash is typically harmless and tends to resolve on its own, but it could lead to complications in some cases.
This article discusses the causes, at-home treatment options, and preventative measures you can take to prevent a beard rash.
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What Causes a Beard Rash?
Many things can lead to the development of a beard rash, including:
Dry Skin
Dry skin can lead to itching and irritation, which can develop into a rash underneath a beard. Depending on the extent of the dryness, it may also be accompanied by flaky skin. Many things can cause dry skin, including:
Harsh soaps or shampoos
Dry weather
Cold weather
Genetic factors
Certain medications
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Certain skin conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis, can also lead to a rash beneath the beard. It’s common for this type of dermatitis to develop under facial hair and can lead to itchy skin that develops into a rash.
Other symptoms that may accompany a beard rash caused by seborrheic dermatitis include:
Flaking
Redness
Itchiness
Other skin conditions that can lead to a rash underneath the beard include:
Beard Rash and Skin Conditions
Various skin conditions can develop on the face, affecting the skin underneath the beard. Many skin conditions share similar symptoms, including:
Dry scales or patches on the skin
Plaques
Redness
Bumps
Sore and painful sensation on the skin
Related: Seborrheic Dermatitis: Rough Red Rash on the Face
Allergy to Skin Care Products
When caring for facial hair, using the right products for your skin is essential. Products may differ in ingredients, and some products may contain chemicals and other additives that you may be allergic to, causing dry skin and a rash.
Related: The 11 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin, Tested and Reviewed
Ingrown Hair
Ingrown hairs, otherwise known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, occur when hair accidentally grows back into the follicle instead of straight out. This leads to inflammation and itchiness, which can develop into a rash if you scratch it too much.
Other symptoms you may notice if an ingrown hair causes the rash include:
Red bumps
Itchiness
Pain in the shaved areas
Ingrown Hair and Rashes
The body can develop ingrown hairs in any area that has been shaved or has hair. While there are other symptoms of ingrown hairs, the most noticeable are the bumps that develop. These cause irritation and the ensuing rash.
Follicle Inflammation
Follicle inflammation, otherwise known as folliculitis, is a condition often caused by a bacterial infection in which the hair follicles become inflamed. It can lead to a rash that appears with:
Redness
Small bumps on the skin
Pus-filled bumps that look similar to pimples
Itchiness
Mild pain or discomfort
Where on the Body Is Folliculitis Common?
Folliculitis typically develops on the buttocks, arms, and legs. However, it can develop anywhere there are hair follicles on the body.
Related: Hot Tub Rash Information
How to Get Rid of a Beard Rash at Home
Since beard rashes can cause discomfort, it’s essential to take note of at-home measures you can take to help lessen symptoms while it’s healing. They include:
Related: How to Combat Beard Burn After Kissing
Pause Your Shaving Routine
Since shaving can cause irritation, ingrown hairs, and dryness, it’s important to stop shaving if you develop a rash and let it heal. Shaving can worsen the skin irritation, leading to an even bigger rash. For that reason, it’s best to stop shaving until everything clears up.
Moisturize
Dry skin can cause a rash, so it’s vital to moisturize your skin as much as possible. You can do so by getting a high-quality moisturizer that is unscented and does not contain harsh ingredients. Look for products specifically designed for sensitive, dry skin.
Patch Testing Your Moisturizer
When you get a new moisturizer, you must do a patch test to see how your skin reacts. You can do so by:
Dabbing a quarter-size dollop of the lotion on your skin and leave it on as you would if regularly applying he moisturizer
Repeating the process twice a day for one week
Waiting for a reaction; if there is no reaction, it's safe to use
Related: The 11 Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin, Tested and Reviewed
Keep Your Beard Well-Groomed
Having a well-groomed beard will reduce the risk of a rash by ensuring the dirt, oil, and bacteria don't build up on the skin. To keep your beard healthy, you should:
Wash your face and beard every day using a gentle cleanser.
Exfoliate the area where you develop ingrown hairs often.
Moisturize the area immediately after washing your skin using a lotion that’s approved for sensitive skin or a beard conditioner.
Keep up with grooming by detangling the hair when wet and combing out the hair when trimming with scissors.
Dry the hair after washing.
Always apply shaving oil or cream when trimming your beard.
Taking Your Skin into Account
People have different skin types, including normal, acne-prone, sensitive, and oily. When choosing the right products, ensure you reach for ones that are good for your skin type and contain high-quality ingredients.
Try Natural Ointments
Some natural moisturizing products can help relieve irritation and heal a beard rash. Some of the best options include:
Argan oil
Avocado oil
Borage oil
Coconut oil
German chamomile oil
Grapeseed oil
Jojoba oil
Oat oil
Olive oil
Rosehip oil
Safflower seed oil
Sesame oil
Shea butter
Soybean oil
Sunflower seed oil
Natural Oils and Your Skin
While the oils mentioned above do contain anti-inflammatory effects, they may not be suitable for everyone. Be sure to conduct a patch test before using it, and consider your skin type before reaching for oils. Oily skin may not benefit from using oils as much as dry skin.
Learn More: What Oils Are Good for Skin? Types and Benefits
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Topical Creams
Topical creams are designed to help reduce irritation in rashes. They often contain hydrocortisone and other anti-inflammatory ingredients to help reduce the duration of a rash and its accompanying symptoms.
Some options include:
Anti-itch medications that contain hydrocortisone
Antifungal ointments (if caused by a fungus)
Treating a Beard Rash at Home Considerations
If you have a beard rash and use at-home treatment, remember that another skin condition could exist that may require a more extensive medical approach. If you use at-home remedies and don’t see change within a week, it’s important to see a healthcare provider.
Ways to Prevent a Beard Rash
The best way to deal with a beard rash is to avoid developing one in the first place. While it’s not always easy to prevent a beard rash, there are some measures you can take that will lower the chances of it developing.
They include:
Cleaning Your Razor
Dirty razors can harbor all types of bacteria and germs that can cause skin issues. To ensure that doesn’t happen, always clean your razors. You can do this by:
Hold the blades of the razor underneath water after a few strokes.
Let the water run through the razor to dislodge any residue or hairs left behind.
Shake off the razor.
Once the razor is clean and you are done using it, store it in a dry area to prevent germ buildup. Alternatively, you can use disposable razors to use a fresh and clean razor every time you shave.
Stick to a Beard Care Routine
A good beard care routine consists of three main steps:
Wash your face and beard every day to remove dirt, oils, germs, and dead skin cells.
Moisturize the area after washing, ensuring you get the beard and the skin underneath.
Groom your beard regularly by combing, brushing, and trimming it when it gets too long.
What Else Should You Do to Prevent Beard Rash?
In addition to the three-step routine, you should avoid touching or stroking your beard, which can cause germ buildup and skin problems.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
If you have an especially painful beard rash that doesn’t go away within a few days or a week or shows signs of infection or a skin disorder, it’s essential to see a healthcare provider. At-home treatments and OTC medicines will only go so far if you’re trying to treat a rash without knowing the cause. To ensure that you’re using the right products for the issue at hand, you’ll have to get a proper diagnosis.
Summary
A beard rash can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, painful. Because it is beneath the hair, it may also be harder to see, making it more challenging to get a read on the extent of the rash. Typically, a beard rash can be treated at home using natural or OTC remedies, or it may resolve on its own.
That said, some skin conditions can cause beard rashes, which may require more extensive medical treatment. It's important to see a healthcare provider for a beard rash that doesn't resolve quickly with or without at-home treatments or is showing signs of infection.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
