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Barber's Rash - Barber's Rash symptom, treatment, causes


What is Barber's Rash ?

Barber's Rash means the infection of the hair follicles in the bearded area of the face and neck. Staphylococcus aureus ('golden staph') is usually the culprit bacteria, and may be spread by contaminated razors and towels. Barber's rash, known medically as sycosis barbae, is treated with antibiotics by mouth. Until the infection clears, towels and face-washers should be kept and laundered separately, and use of disposable razors is advised.

Barber's rash", medically known as folliculitis, is caused when the hair follicles become infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus ('golden staph') is usually the culprit bacteria, and may be spread by contaminated razors and towels. Severe cases may cause permanent hair loss and scarring, and even mild folliculitis can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Barber's itch is a staph infection of the hair follicles in the beard area of the face, usually the upper lip. Shaving aggravates the condition. You can have barber rash on any part of your body that has hair. But it is most common on the face, scalp, and areas rubbed by clothing, such as the thighs and groin. Patients of various ages can be affected by folliculitis. Tinea barbae is similar to barber's itch, but the infection is caused by a fungus. he result is a tender red spot, often with a surface pustule. Folliculitis can cause boils and, in rare instances, serious skin infections. Bacteria from folliculitis can enter the blood stream and travel to other parts of the body. Barber rash can be due to infection, occlusion, irritation and specific skin diseases. Barber rash is treated with antibiotics by mouth. Until the infection clears, towels and face-washers should be kept and laundered separately, and use of disposable razors is advised.

Causes of Barber rash

The common causes and risk factor's of Barber rash include the following:

  • Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Inflammatory skin conditions, including dermatitis and acne.
  • Exposure to coal tar, pitch or creosote.
  • Injuries to your skin such as abrasions or surgical wounds.
  • Tight clothing.
  • Patients who have a reduced immune status, prior skin injury, or dermatoses or those who are obese may be more at risk.
  • Exposure to hot, humid temperatures.

Symptoms of Barber rash

Some sign and symptoms related to Barber rash are as follows:

  • Facial hair rash - in the beard area.
  • In superficial forms of the disorder, small pimples develop around one or more barber rash.
  • Neck rash.
  • The pustules that develop with deep folliculitis are usually larger, more painful, and longer-lasting than those from mild folliculitis.
  • Itching skin.
  • The pimples may have pus in them, and they often burn.
  • Some people get razor bumps.

Treatment of Barber rash

Here is list of the methods to treat Barber rash:

  • Your doctor may advise not shaving the affected area until the infection heals. If you must shave, use an electric razor or clean razor blade every time.
  • If the problem persists, you may need topical or oral antibiotics.
  • Minimize friction from clothing.
  • Use medicated powder in the area on a daily basis. This helps keep the area dry and reduces frictional pressures.
  • A body wash with benzoyl peroxide  on a daily basis or using Hibiclens wash on the affected areas. 
  • In some cases, laser hair removal may be an option.

Barber's Rash - Barber's Rash symptom, treatment, causes

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