1. Facing an Itchy Situation
All men know how irritating shaving can be. Not just the hassle of doing it but the irriation that comes with it. Skin on the face and neck can become red and develop a rash. Sometimes, skin can get so irritated by shaving that an infection of the facial hair follicles develops. This is known as folliculitis barbae, or barber's itch. Red or white, itchy, pus-filled pimples grow around each infected hair follicle. Barber's itch can be painful as well as itchy.
2. Keep Your Razor to Yourself
The type of infection that causes barber's itch can be either fungal or bacterial in nature. The hairs of the mustache are commonly affected by a bacterial infection, usually by a runny nose due to a cold, while those of the cheeks and chin are caused by a fungus. The fungal infection is very contagious and can be spread by sharing a razor, towel or even pillow. While this condition generally affects men, sometimes women can get it in places they shave as well, such as their legs or underarms.
3. Deeper Trouble Beneath the Skin
Most of the time, barber's itch clears up in a few days. However, as with any type of condition or disease, complications might arise. In the case of severe infection or folliculitis, the infection might spread beyond the hair follicle and into underlying skin tissues. If the pimples become too filled with pus, boils may develop. These are more painful and might develop into a condition called furunculosis, or deep folliculitis. Severe barber's itch can also lead to scarring.
4. Scratching Barber's Itch
Oral or topical antibiotics will often be prescribed for barber's itch, especially if the pimple-like rash lingers for more than a few days. Refraining from shaving is encouraged, or, if you must, use an electric razor as this will be easier on the skin than a regular razor. If you must use a regular razor, make sure to use a new blade, as a blunt blade will cause further irritation of the skin. Drinking a lot of juices is believed to help flush the infection from the body.
5. Natural Ways to Ease the Itch
Herbal supplements and homeopathic remedies are an alternative to medication when fighting barber's itch. Taking essential fatty acids, vitamins A and E and B-complex are all thought to be beneficial to the skin and can help aid healing of barber's itch. Tissue salts (four tablets placed under the tongue three times per day) will help to cleanse and provide moisture for the skin. Other suggestions include drinking Aloe vera juice, eating garlic (if infection is fungal) and applying calendula oil and aloe cream to the face.
