Kissing men with beards can pose certain health risks, especially if the beard isn’t properly cleaned. Beards can harbor bacteria like staphylococcus (staph) and streptococcus (strep), which may transfer to the skin during close contact.

Due to this, Dr. Myro Figura, an anesthesiologist from Los Angeles, has issued a warning about the potential health risks of kissing men with beards.

He explained that unclean beards can harbor bacteria like staph and strep, which may cause infections such as impetigo, a contagious but treatable skin condition.

‘If not clean, the beard can harbour a lot of bacteria like staph and strep and when kissing the beard can cause breaks in the skin, allowing bacteria to enter and cause an infection called impetigo.’

‘The sores or blisters quickly burst and often leave crusty, golden-brown patches.

‘The patches can look a but like cornflakes stuck to your skin, get bigger and spread to others parts of your body, be itchy and are sometimes painful.’ Dr. Figura stated

What is IMPETIGO?

Impetigo in adults can sometimes be linked to beard-related infections, particularly when hygiene is neglected.

These bacteria can enter the skin through small abrasions or cuts caused by the friction of facial hair, leading to red sores that burst and form a honey-colored crust.

Signs of having IMPETIGO Infections

Impetigo infections linked to beard-related hygiene issues can present with the following signs:

Red sores or blisters: These often appear around the mouth, nose, or areas where the beard comes into contact with the skin.

Honey-colored crusts: After the sores burst, they may ooze and form a yellowish or honey-colored crust.

Itching and irritation: The affected areas can become itchy or mildly painful.

Swelling or redness: Surrounding skin may appear inflamed or swollen.

Blisters: In some cases, fluid-filled blisters may develop, especially in bullous impetigo.

These symptoms can worsen if the beard is not cleaned regularly, as bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes thrive in unclean environments.

Treatment

Treating impetigo infections linked to beard hygiene involves a combination of medical and hygiene practices:

Topical Antibiotics: Creams or ointments like mupirocin or retapamulin are commonly prescribed for mild cases. These are applied directly to the affected area to eliminate bacteria.

Oral Antibiotics: For more severe infections, oral antibiotics such as amoxicillin or cephalexin may be necessary.

How to CLEAN BEARDS

To maintain a clean and healthy beard while avoiding infections or spreading bacteria, men should adopt the following hygiene practices:

Wash Regularly: Clean the beard at least once a day using a gentle, beard-specific shampoo or mild cleanser. This removes dirt, oil, and bacteria that may accumulate. Use lukewarm water to avoid drying out the skin beneath the beard.

Dry Thoroughly: Always pat the beard dry with a clean towel after washing. A damp beard can encourage bacterial and fungal growth.

Trim and Groom: Trim your beard regularly to keep it neat and remove split ends or tangled hair that may trap dirt. Use clean grooming tools like scissors, combs, or trimmers, and disinfect them after use.

Moisturize: Apply beard oils or moisturizers to keep the beard soft and prevent the skin underneath from becoming dry or flaky. Choose products with natural ingredients to minimize irritation.

Avoid Touching: Refrain from constantly touching or stroking the beard, as hands can transfer germs and bacteria.

Stay Hygienic: Wash hands frequently, especially before grooming or touching your beard. Replace pillowcases regularly, as they can harbor bacteria that transfer to the beard.

Check for Irritation: Inspect the beard and skin regularly for signs of redness, flakes, or bumps. These could indicate irritation or an infection.

Eat Healthy: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals helps maintain beard health by promoting strong, healthy hair.

By following these steps, men can prevent common issues like dandruff, irritation, and bacterial infections.

A clean beard not only looks great but also promotes overall health.