Beard burn: Causes, treatment and prevention

Beards are back in fashion, but while they may look stylish, they can sometimes lead to a less than desirable side effect: beard burn. Whether you're sporting facial hair or getting up close and personal with someone who does, this irritating rash can be painful, unattractive, and downright uncomfortable. 

 

In this article, we’ll explore what beard burn is, its common causes, and how to treat beard burn, as well as provide practical prevention strategies for both parties.

What is beard burn?

 

Beard burn from kissing, also known as stubble rash from kissing or beard rash from kissing, is a form of irritant contact dermatitis triggered by repeated friction.¹ While it’s often harmless, it can be uncomfortable, particularly after kissing or close contact.

Fortunately, whether you're the bearded partner or the one experiencing the irritation, there are plenty of strategies for how to prevent beard burn and soothe symptoms quickly.

What causes beard burn?

 

When coarse facial hair rubs against sensitive skin, usually during intimate moments or close physical contact, it can cause redness, inflammation, and tiny abrasions.

The stubble, especially when short and rough, acts like sandpaper against the skin. This constant rubbing can disrupt the skin barrier, leading to irritation. For some, this can evolve into more severe symptoms like a stache rash, another term used to describe the inflamed skin around the mouth area. 

Like a skin rash caused by shaving, people with sensitive skin or existing conditions like eczema may be more prone to developing beard burn.

Beard burn remedies: How to soothe a beard burn flare-up

 

If you’re already experiencing the discomfort of beard burn, don’t worry! There are several simple beard burn remedies to help your skin heal quickly:

 

1. Cleanse gently: Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to remove any bacteria or irritants from the skin. Avoid scrubbing as this can cause further irritation. Gentleness is key.
2. Apply a cold compress: Use a clean, cool compress a couple of times throughout the day to reduce inflammation and soothe discomfort.
3. Use a moisturiser or barrier cream: Anti-inflammatory products containing ingredients like aloe vera can help restore the skin barrier and reduce redness.² Applying a thick moisturiser or balm can lock in moisture and prevent further irritation.
4. Avoid further contact: Give your skin time to heal by avoiding further friction from stubble until the irritation subsides.
5. Consider over-the-counter treatments: Hydrocortisone cream can be used to treat irritant contact dermatitis.³ While hydrocortisone cream can reduce inflammation, it should only be used short-term and under guidance from a pharmacist or healthcare provider.
6. Communicate with your partner: Let them know when their stubble is particularly rough or if your skin feels sensitive. They might delay shaving or use extra conditioner before close contact.

If you're unsure how to treat beard burn, start with these basics and adjust depending on how your skin reacts. Healing usually takes a few days, but if symptoms persist, you may need to seek medical advice.

How to prevent beard burn in the future

 

For those sporting the facial hair, prevention starts with beard maintenance. Knowing how to prevent beard burn and how to prevent beard rash from kissing can save both you and your partner from discomfort.

 

1. Keep your beard soft: Use a beard conditioner, oil or balm daily. Softer hair reduces the sandpaper effect and helps prevent irritation during contact.
2. Maintain good hygiene: Regularly wash your beard to remove bacteria and debris that could contribute to skin irritation or breakouts on your partner. 
3. Trim regularly: An unkempt beard with sharp stubble can worsen friction. Keep it neatly trimmed with the Philips All-in-One Trimmer 9000 Series. This trimmer features self-sharpening steel blades for powerful trimming and maximum precision.
4. Regularly moisturise the skin underneath: Healthy skin beneath the beard helps minimise sharp edges and roughness, reducing the chance of causing a stache rash. 
5. Time your shaves: Right after shaving, stubble can be especially sharp. Wait a few hours or even a day before close contact to allow the hair to soften slightly. Ensure you shave with a clean, sharp shaver, to reduce the chance of razor burn.

Learning how to prevent beard rash from kissing isn’t just about products; consistent grooming habits make all the difference.

When to seek advice about beard burn

 

While most cases of beard burn from kissing or stubble rash from kissing clear up on their own, there are times when medical intervention may be necessary. Seek advice from a GP or dermatologist if:

 

• The rash becomes infected (i.e., it’s oozing, crusty or warm to the touch)
• You experience severe swelling, pain, or itching
• Symptoms last longer than a week without improvement
• You have underlying skin conditions (such as eczema) that may be flaring up

A professional can provide targeted beard burn remedies and rule out other causes like allergic reactions.

With the right beard care habits, skincare routines, and communication between you and your partner, beard burn from kissing and stubble rash from kissing can easily become a thing of the past.

So the next time you lean in for a kiss, make sure you’ve both done your part to keep things soft, smooth and irritation-free.

Sources:

¹ Itchiness, Acne, and Skin Irritation: How to Solve Your Facial Hair Problems, Yale Medicine

² The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review, NIH

³ Hydrocortisone for skin, NHS