Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy Does My Beard Itch?At-Home TreatmentsMedical TreatmentsHow Long the Itch Lasts
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Why Does My Beard Itch?
At-Home Treatments
Medical Treatments
How Long the Itch Lasts
It’s common for beards to get itchy, no matter if it’s short or long or a new or old beard. The itch may be mild and hardly noticeable or bad enough that it’s hard to concentrate on other things.
Oftentimes, an itchy beard orbeard rashis nothing too concerning and can be remedied at home, though sometimes it may be a sign of an infection that needs medical attention. It’s important to take good care of your beard to keep both your beard and skin healthy.
This article discusses what causes an itchy beard and tips to find relief.
Ted Horowitz Photography / Getty Images
Skin problems can occur under your beard no matter what your beard looks like—whether it’s trimmed or bushy. While it may seem like your beard doesn’t need much attention, it’s important to make sure the skin under your beard is healthy. Proper skin care can prevent problems like an itchy beard.
Dry Skin
An itchy beard might be a sign that you have dry skin.Dehydrated skin lacks moisture and may look dry or parched. Dry skin can also cause an itchy face.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is when one or more hair follicles become blocked or damaged, leading to inflammation. Shaving or wearing something that constantly rubs on the skin, such as a face mask or scarf, can cause folliculitis.Such irritation of the hair follicles makes them prone to becoming inflamed. Itchiness is a common symptom of folliculitis as are pustules or pimples that may crust over.
“Folliculitis barbae” is the term used to describe folliculitis in areas of the body that are shaved, such as the beard area. Sycosis barbae is a complication of folliculitis barbae and may lead to scarring and hair loss in the affected area.
Pseudofolliculitis Barbae
Also known as razor bumps, pseudofolliculitis barbae is inflammation of the hair follicles, usually on the face as a result of shaving or grooming the facial hair. Using a razor with blades, as opposed to an electric shaver, can make the skin prone to pseudofolliculitis barbae.
People with tight, curly facial hair are more prone to pseudofolliculitis barbae, and most often occurs in people of African descent.The end of the hair is more likely to curve back into the skin and cause an inflammatory reaction.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition in which a scaly rash develops where there is oily skin. Seborrheic dermatitis can look like dandruff, but unlike dandruff, it develops on more than just the scalp, including the beard, and may cause swelling and discoloration of the skin.The scales that develop may be itchy and greasy or dry.
Tinea Barbae
Tinea barbae is an infection of the beard area with a type of fungus that comes from animals, such as tinea mentagrophytes var. equinum (from horses) and tinea verrucosum (from cattle). Tinea barbae most often affects farmers.Although the lumps and pustules that result may look bad, they are usually not that itchy or painful.
Staph Infection
The beard can also become infected withStaphylococcus(staph) bacteria. A staph infection of the hair follicles in the beard area, especially the upper lip, is known as barber’s itch.The infected skin may be swollen, red, painful, or crust over.Shaving makes the infection worse.
Pubic Lice (Crabs)
Pubic lice, also known as crabs, are named as such because they show up in the genital area, but lice can also be found in other parts of the body, including the mustache and beard.The lice or lice eggs are usually visible and cause itchiness.
Itchy Beard Relief at Home
Proper Hygiene and Beard Care
Caring for your beard through proper hygiene and skin care can help prevent skin problems that lead to an itchy beard, such as dry skin. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends several ways to keep your beard and the skin under it healthy, including:
Shaving Tips
Since razor blades are more likely to cause inflammation of the hair follicles,consider grooming your beard with an electric shaver instead. Make sure to move the razor/shaver in the direction the hair grows—not against the grain. In addition, it’s best to shave when your hair is soft, such as after a warm shower, and moisturize your beard with a beard conditioner or beard oil right after shaving.
How to Stop Beard Itch: Medical Treatments
If an itchy beard doesn’t go away with at-home remedies—or you think you might have an infection—it’s time to talk to a healthcare provider about medical treatments.
Medication
Procedures
If at-home remedies don’t resolve the cause of an itchy beard, a healthcare provider may recommend more involved medical treatment. It’s rare that an itchy beard will require a medical procedure, and some procedures are noninvasive. For example, photodynamic therapy and certain laser treatments may be used to treat pseudofolliculitis barbae.
How Long Does an Itchy Beard Last?
An itchy beard may be temporary or ongoing, depending on the cause and how well it responds to treatment. For example, folliculitis usually goes away soon after treatment, but it can keep coming back.
Treating underlying skin issues, such as dry skin, with ongoing skin care and using good shaving techniques can help reduce the itchiness and keep it from returning.
Summary
An itchy beard can be uncomfortable and distracting. There are several causes of itchiness in facial hair, from dry skin, irritation, and skin infections. Getting rid of the itch depends on the cause and might include adopting a proper skin care routine or temporarily taking medication.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to care for facial hair. December 15, 2021.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Signs and symptoms.MedlinePlus.Folliculitis. October 20, 2022.DermNet.Folliculitis barbae. February 2022.DermNet.Pseudofolliculitis barbae. February 2022.Ogunbiyi A.Pseudofolliculitis barbae; Current treatment options.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019;12:241-247. doi:10.2147/CCID.S149250American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: Overview. December 6, 2022.DermNet.Tinea barbae. 2003.MedlinePlus.Staphylococcal infections. November 8, 2023.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Public “crab” lice - frequently asked questions (FAQs). September 17, 2020.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to care for facial hair. December 15, 2021.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Signs and symptoms.MedlinePlus.Folliculitis. October 20, 2022.DermNet.Folliculitis barbae. February 2022.DermNet.Pseudofolliculitis barbae. February 2022.Ogunbiyi A.Pseudofolliculitis barbae; Current treatment options.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019;12:241-247. doi:10.2147/CCID.S149250American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: Overview. December 6, 2022.DermNet.Tinea barbae. 2003.MedlinePlus.Staphylococcal infections. November 8, 2023.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Public “crab” lice - frequently asked questions (FAQs). September 17, 2020.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to care for facial hair. December 15, 2021.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Signs and symptoms.MedlinePlus.Folliculitis. October 20, 2022.DermNet.Folliculitis barbae. February 2022.DermNet.Pseudofolliculitis barbae. February 2022.Ogunbiyi A.Pseudofolliculitis barbae; Current treatment options.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019;12:241-247. doi:10.2147/CCID.S149250American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: Overview. December 6, 2022.DermNet.Tinea barbae. 2003.MedlinePlus.Staphylococcal infections. November 8, 2023.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Public “crab” lice - frequently asked questions (FAQs). September 17, 2020.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to care for facial hair. December 15, 2021.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Signs and symptoms.
MedlinePlus.Folliculitis. October 20, 2022.
DermNet.Folliculitis barbae. February 2022.
DermNet.Pseudofolliculitis barbae. February 2022.
Ogunbiyi A.Pseudofolliculitis barbae; Current treatment options.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019;12:241-247. doi:10.2147/CCID.S149250
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: Overview. December 6, 2022.
DermNet.Tinea barbae. 2003.
MedlinePlus.Staphylococcal infections. November 8, 2023.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Public “crab” lice - frequently asked questions (FAQs). September 17, 2020.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
