Beard Got Barber's Itch? Here's How To Treat Tinea Barbae

With great beards come great responsibilities.

Sometimes they also come with great problems. 

For instance, you've noticed some uncomfortable itching and, worse, weird rashes under your beard.

Maybe it started soon after visiting your trusted barber. 

If you've noticed this symptom, it sounds like you might have what's commonly called barber's itch, or tinea barbae.

Don't worry, it's a fungal thing, and you can definitely get it sorted out.

Let's break down what causes it, how to treat it, and when you should probably get a doctor involved.

 

Understanding Barber's Itch

Suppose you've noticed some strange stuff happening with your beard, like itching and redness. Maybe your beard is just generally uncomfortable. In that case, you might be dealing with what's commonly called barber's itch, or more technically, tinea barbae.

It's a fungal infection on the skin right under your beard, but it can also pop up on your chin, neck, or even your mustache.

What Causes Barber's Itch?

Tinea barbae is caused by a type of fungus called dermatophytes, such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes. often from animals. Sometimes, it can spread from person to person. Sharing razors, brushes, or even just touching someone who has it and then touching your face can transfer the fungus. 

If you've got really coarse beard hair, you might be more prone. Also, not keeping things clean and dry can be a big factor. Fungi love damp places, so if you're sweating a lot and not drying off properly, or if your beard stays wet for too long, that's prime real estate for fungus.

Your immune system plays a role, too. If it's not at full strength, you're more susceptible. Other health issues, like diabetes or chronic stress, can also put you at higher risk.

Recognizing Symptoms of Barber's Itch

The most obvious sign is usually a rash that looks a bit like ringworm. These spots are often red and scaly. You'll probably feel itchy, and maybe a little sore. The patches can vary in size, but may get big and can even fill with pus, especially around your hair follicles. You might even notice some hair loss in the affected areas.

Less commonly, some people might get a fever or have swollen glands. It really depends on how your body reacts to the infection. It's important to know what you're looking for so you can deal with it early on.

 

Treating Barber's Itch

Medical Treatments for Barber's Itch

The good news is barber's itch is usually treatable. For milder cases, you can often find over-the-counter antifungal creams and lotions at your local drugstore.

You'll want to apply these directly to the affected skin as the product instructions say. It might take a week or two for things to start clearing up, so be patient with it.

When things are a bit more stubborn or widespread, your doctor or dermatologist might prescribe stronger oral antifungal medications. These are usually taken for several weeks, sometimes up to a month or two, to make sure the fungus is completely gone.  If your infection is really inflamed, your doctor might also suggest a short course of prednisone or a steroid to help calm things down and potentially prevent scarring. 

It's really important to finish the entire course of medication, even if your symptoms seem to disappear early.

Home Care and Prevention for Barber's Itch

Beyond the creams and pills, there are things you can do at home to help clear up the infection and stop it from returning. Good hygiene is your best friend here. Wash your beard and the skin underneath it daily, especially if you've been sweating a lot. Make sure to dry the area thoroughly after washing or showering, as fungus loves damp places.

If you're shaving while you're dealing with this, switch to disposable razors and don't share them with anyone. Also, avoid sharing things like beard brushes or combs, as the fungus can spread easily that way. Washing your hands with soap and warm water after touching your beard is a simple but effective step.

For some relief from the itch and inflammation, try applying a cold compress. Just wrap some ice or a cold pack in a thin towel and hold it against the affected area for about 10-15 minutes a few times a day.

Some people also find relief with natural remedies like garlic, tea tree oil, or apple cider vinegar, which are thought to have antifungal properties, but it's always best to check with your doctor before trying these, especially if you're already on medication.

Include a beard oil or beard balm to reduce inflammation, maintain hydration, and continue your beard growth. Use our BLCK Beard Balm with clean, natural ingredients to help maintain your beard's health.

When to Seek Professional Help for Barber's Itch

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, barber's itch, or tinea barbae, just doesn't clear up on its own. It’s important to know when it’s time to call in the pros.

Diagnosing Barber's Itch

Figuring out if it's actually barber's itch can be tricky because other skin issues can look pretty similar. Things like regular razor bumps, acne, or even psoriasis can cause redness and irritation in your beard area.

A doctor, especially a dermatologist, can tell for sure. They might take a sample of skin or pluck a hair from the affected spot. Then, they'll look at it under a microscope to see if a fungus is the culprit. Sometimes, they might send it to a lab for further testing. This test ensures you're getting the right treatment.

When to See a Doctor for Barber's Itch

If you've been using those creams for about two to three weeks and things aren't getting better, or if they're actually getting worse, that's a big red flag. You should also make an appointment if:

• You notice the rash spreading or becoming more inflamed.
• You develop deep, pus-filled bumps, sometimes called kerions, which can lead to scarring and hair loss.
• You start having other symptoms like fever or swollen glands, which could mean the infection is spreading.
• You have a weakened immune system due to conditions like diabetes or if you're taking certain medications. This makes you more prone to serious infections.

Don't wait too long to get it checked out, because untreated barber's itch can sometimes lead to more serious skin infections or even spread to other parts of your body.

Getting a proper diagnosis and prescription-strength medication, like oral antifungals, can really make a difference in clearing up the infection effectively and preventing complications.

Wrapping Up Barber's Itch

So, you've learned about barber's itch, what causes it, and how to fight it. Remember, it's fungal-related and not a shaving mishap. Stick with the antifungal treatments your doctor recommends, whether it's a cream or pills. Keep up with good hygiene, and don't share your grooming tools.

If things aren't getting better after a couple of weeks, or if it feels painful, it's time to see a doctor.

Your dermatologist can figure out exactly what's going on and get you the right treatment. You'll have that beard looking and feeling normal again before you know it.

Ready for your beard to look and feel amazing? Our BLCK Beard Balm can moisturize and soften your beard, with amazing ingredients that help with your beard growth goals.