How to Combat Beard Burn After Kissing

Most men grow facial hair because males contain high levels of male sex hormones called androgens. Androgens signal growth of short and coarse hair on many parts of men’s bodies, including the face.

Owen Kramer, dermatology resident at the University of Illinois, says that when facial hair rubs against the skin, it creates friction, and this friction can cause irritation.

“Imagine rubbing a short bristled sponge on the skin,” says Kramer. Beard burn is explained by a somewhat similar idea. “Rubbing a beard on the skin enough times would cause redness and irritation.”

Beard burn is a type of irritant contact dermatitis, which can happen when something rubs against the skin. It’s different from razor burn, another type of dermatitis caused by dry shaving or using a dull razor, or razor bumps, which cause ingrown hairs that make skin itchy after shaving.

In the case of beard burn, a person’s facial hair causes friction. The ensuing inflammation and irritation can lead to loss of skin’s natural moisture due to compromise of the skin barrier.

In some cases, the inflammation can damage the skin barrier, making it more prone to irritation and bacterial infection.

Kramer says that stubble will likely cause much more irritation than a longer beard. That’s because shorter hairs are coarser and create more friction. What’s more, he adds, people with sensitive skin are more likely to experience irritation from their partner’s facial hair.

Other people may find that lohger beards can also cause irritation.

Most cases of beard burn appear as red, dry, itchy patches. This rash can develop on the lips and face from being kissed, or on the outer parts of the genital area from receiving oral sex.

Severe cases of beard burn may cause a red rash that’s swollen, painful, and bumpy.

On the face

You can treat most cases of mild beard burn on the face at home.

Kramer recommends using a moisturizing cream such as CeraVe or Vanicream, making sure to use a cream that’s oil-free and is designed not to clog pores. A more pricey one of his recommendations is EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex.

Kramer says that an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream may be helpful for some people with less serious cases of beard burn.

Hydrocortisone works by cutting down on redness, itching, and inflammation, reducing irritation. Vanicream sells a combination 1 percent hydrocortisone and moisturizing cream that both soothes and reduces irritation.

See a doctor for any case of beard burn that doesn’t go away after one to two weeks with home treatment. They may recommend a topical steroid cream, such as prescription strength hydrocortisone.

Down there

Kramer recommends having safe sex if you’ve experienced beard burn. That involves using a condom or some other form of physical barrier protection.

“The biggest thing to be concerned about is if you get breaks in the skin [from beard burn], then I would be worried about the transmission of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, herpes, or syphilis,” he says.

“You should also be aware of breaks in your skin on your face,” Kramer adds, which could also make you more susceptible to infections.

But how do you tell STI symptoms from beard burn?

While beard burn may manifest immediately after contact or slightly later, STIs generally take days or weeks to appear — if symptoms occur at all. Herpes appears as reddened bumps on the face and genitals, and other STDs may also cause changes in the skin, but they will look distinct from beard burn.

What not to do

Kramer says there are some treatments he just does not recommend.

These include using topical antibiotics like Triple Antibiotic, Neosporin and Bacitracin. “A small percentage of the population will display allergic contact dermatitis to these products,” he says, which could lead to severe irritation.

He’s also heard that some people think a mix of rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide will clear up their beard burn, but he doesn’t recommend that, as it will only cause further irritation.

For beard burn causing mild irritation with some redness, Kramer says you should see a reduction in symptoms in one to two weeks.

But it depends on your skin type and the severity of your beard burn.

The American Academy of Dermatologists recommends avoiding scratching and using cool compresses, oatmeal baths, or anti-itch medication for relief as the dermatitis heals.

Recovering from beard burn takes patience. But it’s also important to see your doctor for more severe cases.

Medical treatment with prescription medications may speed the recovery process, but mild cases usually respond well to home treatments with moisturizers.

Asking your partner to grow out his scruff may cut down on the beard burn. That’s because longer facial hair may create less friction when it rubs than shorter facial hair.

So, it should be possible for him to keep his beard and for you to beat the burn.