Beard Germs: What Is Really Lurking In Your Beard?

Have you ever thought about what is in your beard? You might have heard numerous horror stories about how dirty a beard can get without you even realising it. One thing is for certain though; the longer your beard, the more room there is for germs to linger if you don’t take the necessary steps to clean it properly. Skin conditions can be triggered by poor beard hygiene including improper washing,  a buildup of small food particles and even dust or fibres.

It has been said that some beards could be dirtier than a toilet seat. Some studies have shown that beards can contain a lot of normal bacteria, but also some bacteria found in toilets. If this news hasn’t grossed you out enough, there’s more. If ingested, some of the bacteria can lead to illness. So the next time you think about skipping the beard wash, you might like to think again.

Neglecting to rid your beard of all the different types of bacteria it can hold can lead to a greater risk of developing a number of different skin conditions. If you know you already suffer from a skin condition, not washing your beard is more likely to trigger symptoms and make the condition worse.

The truth is that a simple, regular beard cleaning routine will save you from flushing your prized beard.

Seborrheic eczema/dermatitis.

This condition is basically dandruff in your beard. It affects many beard wearers - common symptoms are flaking and itching skin. Thankfully you don’t have to simply put up with this condition as there are many things you can do to reduce the effects. Regular washing and moisturising with natural beard and skin care products can help reduce the inflammation and help to make your skin feel more comfortable. 

Sycosis barbae.

This is a chronic infection that can spread from one beard to another. Sharing unsanitized razors is one way the infection can spread. The good news is that washing with a gentle shampoo and applying anti-fungal cream should fix the problem. If the symptoms are particularly serious, you may require a course of oral antibiotics.

Lice.

As unpleasant as it sounds, there is the possibility of getting lice in your beard. It’s in their nature to make their home in hair. You’re even more at risk if you have curly beard hair. The treatment for beard lice is just the same as regular head lice. You can purchase over the counter medication, or simply shave off your beard. If you decide to grow it again, bear in mind that you’ll need to keep up on the hygiene.

Clean your beard correctly.

To prevent suffering with sore skin or a bacterial infection, follow these simple steps to ensure your beard is clean, moisturised and free from risk.

Wash your beard three times a week.

Regularly washing your beard is an easy way to get rid of any dirt and germs. Be careful not to overwash your beard, however - in doing so, your beard and skin will become dry and prone to split. Use quality beard shampoo and conditioner for the best results.

Brush or comb your beard daily.

If you have a longer beard, you should purchase a beard comb or brush for daily use. This will help to get rid of any dirt and prevent the build up of bacteria. It will also make your beard feel softer too!

Use an aftershave.

If you’re braving the shave to get rid of all those nasty germs, it’s important to treat your skin afterwards to prevent any skin irritation. Aftershave works wonders - in addition to smelling great, an aftershave will also disinfect and soothe the skin.

Banish those beard germs for good!

If you have a good cleaning and grooming routine, beard germs should be minimal or non-existent. Browse our website for an extensive range of beard care products, and get into a daily routine to keep those germs at bay.