Kissing can be a beautiful and intimate experience. For those with beards, moustaches, and other facial hair, it can sometimes become an unexpected obstacle and less-than-pleasant sensation. Beard burn, a skin irritation caused by friction between the beard and the skin, can ruin the romantic mood and wreak havoc on your skin. It occurs when the coarse hairs of a beard rub against the skin, causing irritation and discomfort in more sensitive parts of your body, like your face and genitals.
So, let’s address this issue today and know what a beard burn is, its symptoms, and how to treat it.
What Is Beard Burn?
Most men tend to have more facial hair than women because of the high levels of testosterone in their bodies. As a result, men either shave regularly or they grow a beard. In both cases, their partners are susceptible to getting a beard burn during times of intimacy. When partners kiss or during oral sex, a beard burn occurs on the skin when skin is rubbed against sharp beard hair. This irritates the skin.
Symptoms
You might notice red, raw patches around the mouth, chin, and nose area, and genital areas the next day after your intimate moments. They can sometimes have tiny scratches too. A beard burn can be itchy, irritating, dry, and sometimes have a burning sensation. In cases of a bad burn, you could have a swollen and bumpy rash, and if not treated, it can lead to a breakout.
How Can You Treat Beard Burn?
- The easiest thing to do is keep your skin well moisturized. Moisture can also help repair the dryness and soothe burns.
- A low-strength hydrocortisone cream can also be used to reduce irritation, redness, as well as swelling due to beard burns. Use it with the advice of your doctor.
- Avoid using acne face washes and products that contain alcohol, as this can further irritate your skin.
- Do not exfoliate your skin or use products that have a fragrance on your skin, as it will cause more damage.
- If the burn doesn’t go away in a few days, then consult a dermatologist, especially in the case of a genital beard burn.
Home Remedies
- Aloe Vera: The Aloe Vera juice can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness as it calms inflammation and locks in moisture.
- Ice Pack: Putting a cold compress on irritated skin can also help lower the redness and warmth right away.
- Olive/Coconut Oil: Use olive or coconut oil because they can help build the skin barrier and prevent irritation from getting worse.
- Honey: The application of honey can help lower the risk of infection and ease pain caused by inflammation, thanks to the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ingredients present in it.
- Oatmeal: You can also take a colloidal oatmeal bath to calm the skin and reduce swelling in bigger areas. This is effective for beard burns that are more widespread or don’t go away.
To avoid such situations, you can explore beard-care products like softening oils, balms, or conditioners, which can make facial hair smoother and less abrasive.
