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Beard ringworm – causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention

Is your facial skin itchy, inflamed, red, and swollen? Then you're probably dealing with a skin fungus, specifically ringworm ("tinea barbae"). The good news is: you can do something about it, take preventative measures, and you're not alone. In addition to the inflammation of your skin caused by filamentous fungi ("dermatophytosis"), ringworm can also have a bacterial origin. In this article, you'll learn how ringworm could have developed in the first place, how to treat it, and what you can do to prevent it. Even though ringworm should be taken seriously and is anything but pleasant, it's fortunately often quite harmless.

What is tinea barbae and how does it develop?

In most cases, ringworm is a deep-seated fungal infection and is often treated with medication. One route of infection for skin fungi is through physical contact. The filamentous fungus survives particularly well in warm, humid environments such as saunas, public showers, and gyms, and you can become infected through brief contact. Ringworm can also be transmitted from animals to humans. This occurs particularly in rural areas, where, for example, touching an infected animal, often a cow or rodent, and then scratching the chin can be enough. The ringworm fungus is more aggressive than athlete's foot, for example, and is therefore much more easily transmitted. Ringworm caused by bacteria develops from an infection in your hair follicle. The inflammation manifests as red buds that later become pus-filled blisters. Your skin is also more sensitive and itchy. This can occur anywhere on the body where hair is removed, including the middle of your face.

beard lichen

What does beard ringworm look like?

Ringworm is characterized by red, round patches that form scales around the edges and may ooze, as well as intense itching. If the cause is a fungus, ringworm can resemble severe acne, as the infection is primarily located in the hair follicles. The pustules and boils can swell and crust over after the pus drains. In rare cases, fever may occur.

How should you treat ringworm and what helps against ringworm on your face?

Ringworm caused by bacteria is treated with disinfectant and antibiotic creams, and if necessary, with antibiotics. Fungal infections can be treated with an antifungal cream, or in severe cases, an antifungal medication. Consultation and advice from your dermatologist is important to ensure you get the right ointment for your infection.
Very important: try to resist the urge to scratch or squeeze the pus-filled boils. This can spread the infection to other parts of your body and worsen it. Also, avoid shaving until the infection has completely cleared up and pay more attention to hygiene. Towels, pillowcases, and anything that touches your face should always be washed with hot water and should not be used by anyone else.

Home remedies for beard ringworm

You should see your doctor. Home remedies can, of course, help, but they shouldn't replace medical treatment. However, there are some things you can do, or avoid, in the interim:

Home remedies & tips

#1: Keep your hands off the razor. Your skin is already extremely irritated, so shaving isn't beneficial. However, you can disinfect your razors thoroughly, so the first shave after the treatment won't be a problem. Of course, you can trim and style your hair with beard scissors. It should be obvious – at least since the beginning of the pandemic – that you should wash your hands regularly.
#2: Tea tree oil is said to be suitable as an acute remedy due to its germicidal, virus-killing, and fungal-killing properties. However, since it is also a strong skin irritant, you should use it highly diluted, for example, in almond oil, and then apply the mixture with a cotton swab.
#3: Horsetail from the pharmacy strengthens the skin and tissue and helps wounds heal faster. Brew a tea and wash your face with it, or apply a compress made from horsetail tea to the affected area.
#4: Aloe vera also shines with its antiseptic properties and can complement the treatment of ringworm. Simply apply a thin layer of aloe vera juice to the affected area and leave it on overnight.
A weakened immune system also makes it easy for ringworm to develop, so it makes sense to target this area as well.

Preventing beard ringworm: What you should consider in your daily care routine

Especially if you've already had ringworm, it's important to take preventative measures to prevent re-infection. As a beard wearer, you should develop a small routine or adjust your current one. It's important that the previous treatment you discussed with your doctor is complete, or that your doctor has given you the OK to shave.

Hygiene is the be-all and end-all

It's probably nothing new to you that hygiene is paramount. Nevertheless, we want to emphasize its importance: Don't share your razor. This could cause you to catch the virus from someone else, or someone else could catch it from you. If you use a safety razor , change the blades regularly. If you use a system razor, straight razor, or other shaving device, disinfect the blades after every shave.

You can also combine a good facial care routine with high-quality, natural products with your shaving routine . Natural cosmetics are your best friends here, because what good is the best skincare routine with inferior ingredients? Your routine should definitely include the following:

#1: Wash face with water and a wash gel , beard every 2 days with a beard shampoo
#2: Pre-shave routine and, if necessary, a gentle peeling
#3a: Dry shave : Depending on the beard length, trim first

#3b: Soak hair and rub with shaving oil
#4: Shave preferably in the direction of hair growth with sharp blades

#5: Aftershave routine with an aftershave spray or balm
#6: Care for your beard with beard oil or similar

beard lichen aftershave routine

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How do you prevent ringworm? Do you have a tip that you consider a perfect routine? We'd love to hear from you on Instagram and Facebook .
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FAQs:

Can women get ringworm?

Yes. Ringworm can develop anywhere hair is shaved or otherwise removed, regardless of gender.

Is beard ringworm dangerous?

Anything can be dangerous. With ringworm, however, it would have to be quite serious for you to be concerned. Go to the doctor, get advice, and complete the treatment as agreed. Then, add a proper grooming and shaving routine , and everything will be fine.

1 term - 2 definitions: Beard ringworm (plant) vs. Beard ringworm (skin disease)

The beard lichen plant is a popular medicinal plant with antibiotic, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used as a tea for gallbladder problems and gastrointestinal disorders; in lozenge form, it relieves tonsillitis, sore throats, and pharyngitis. It grows on trees and is distributed throughout the world. This is a homonym, as the plant and skin condition share only their names.

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