The Bulldog Skincare Guide To Treating Your Itchy Beard

An itchy beard can be triggered by several culprits, including dry skin, bacterial growth, or the problem of ingrown hairs. Therefore, some knowledge about facial hair is essential in order to maintain hygiene, and… to bid farewell to that maddening itch.

Food: could this be the culprit? Actually, no. Contact dermatitis, which stems from food-to-skin contact, is a rare occurrence. It seems that most individuals are diligently cleansing their beards regularly, to evict those lingering food particles.

However, if you’re opting to sport the non-clean-shaven look, a dreaded beard rash can rear its prickly head. The relentless shedding of skin cells - mixed with an entire myriad of microorganisms, can become a breeding ground for discomfort.

Let's unravel the mystery behind those itchy beards.

Dry Skin

Harsh weather conditions or arid environments can leave your skin looking and feeling parched. This is a condition that is commonly-known as ‘xerosis.’ Contributing factors may include certain medications, or even common skin ailments such as psoriasis and eczema, all of which can lead to dryness and itching.

For those of you who are grappling with dry skin, salvation can come in the form of a Beard Oil gently massaged into the beard, and onto the irritable skin beneath.

Ingrown Hair

If you've trimmed your beard recently, you might find yourself wrestling with ingrown hairs, a result of hair regrowth burrowing back into its follicle, inciting inflammation. Although this can affect anyone, individuals with curly hair are particularly susceptible.

To quell those irksome, itchy bumps, consider cleansing the area with a mild or an exfoliating cleanser to bid farewell to dead skin cells. Also, a fresh razor blade along with a shaving gel for added protection, could be a powerful partner in the battle against ingrown hairs.

Don't overlook the importance of regular shaving hygiene: use warm water to soften your facial hair, a hydrating shaving gel, and a clean, sharp razor blade.

Be sure to store your razor blade outside of the shower room, to ensure a complete dry between uses. And don't forget to replace it regularly: monthly for frequent shavers, or adapt as needed for less-frequent grooming.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

In the same way that dry, flaky skin can occur on the scalp, it's also possible to develop dandruff in your beard. You may not experience skin issues on your face until you start growing a beard, but then, surprisingly, dandruff can manifest.

Pityrosporum (Malassezia) folliculitis rears its head when an abundance of Malassezia colonises the skin and infiltrates hair follicles. This unpleasant condition can spawn itchy pimples across your face, scalp, and upper body.

So why aren't we all affected by this? It depends on your skin type, the fungi quantity, and your immune system's reaction. Should you find yourself with redness, scaliness, and itchiness, an anti-dandruff shampoo may provide relief.

Staph Infections

Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria behind staph infections, resides on the skin of most individuals in various locales. When you sport a beard, a perfect storm brews with humidity and skin shedding, providing an ideal environment for this bacteria to flourish.

This can lead to folliculitis, particularly in areas with longer beard growth, as it multiplies, stoking inflammation. Address this issue by diligently washing it with a shampoo and conditioner.

Sycosis Barbae

Although sycosis barbae can occur in areas with unshaven beards, it typically occurs among men who regularly shave. And, it can be transmitted from one person to another.

When you visit a salon or a barbershop for a beard trim, if they fail to thoroughly sanitise the razor, you may develop a condition known as sycosis barbae. Sycosis barbae is a chronic condition that can affect the beard area.

In most cases, a regime of shampoo or an anti-acne wash, along with a moisturiser should get it under control.

Lice

Surprisingly, lice can infiltrate your beard, especially if you boast a curly one.

These critters typically target straight hair, but curly beard hair can pique their interest, too, leaving you to contend with nits and the accompanying irritation.

Treatment options include over-the-counter anti-lice medications, or the more radical approach of having to shave off your beard and start again (noooo!).

How To Avoid An Itchy Beard? Prevention Is Key

Lastly, how can one evade the clutches of an itchy beard? 

The truth is, prevention is the name of the game. Prevention equals regular bathing or showering, along with a meticulous beard wash, using warm water and a high-quality shampoo to ward off any excess bacteria and dead skin cells.

To Conclude

Although prioritising proactive self-care and hygiene practices is highly advised, the above tips should prove to be beneficial, in the unfortunate instance that you ever find yourself with the discomfort of an itchy beard.

FYI, our Beard Collection Bundle is the perfect way to maintain your beard-care routine.