There’s a chance you could walk away with an infection that causes a painful and itchy
If you’re caught under the mistletoe this Christmas, think twice about sharing a kiss with a bearded man. It could result in you catching a painful skin infection.
Impetigo is a fairly common condition but can cause itchy blisters and sores around the infected areas. It can be passed on unknowingly if you share a kiss with someone who sports a beard.
Dr Mezher, himself having a beard, explained: “At the risk of shooting myself in the foot, beards can be a fairly common cause of this [condition]. The reason for that is that the small hairs in the beard can cause tiny little holes in the skin which can cause bacteria to enter – especially if the man has poor beard hygiene.”
However, impetigo can resemble other skin issues such as cold sores, eczema and shingles. This can sometimes make it hard to spot and treat the condition yourself – meaning you should always consult a doctor for the best advice.
Treatment for the condition is available from a GP or pharmacist and depends on the extent of the problem. If it’s confined to one area, you’ll be given hydrogen peroxide cream, but if it’s more widespread, you’ll be prescribed a course of antibiotic cream or tablets.
All men who grow facial hair should be “rinsing two to three times per week” and using a high-quality beard shampoo, according to the doctor’s advice. He added that if beard-specific shampoo isn’t accessible, then the same shampoo used for your hair is just as effective.
In the caption of his own video, Dr Mezher warned: “If beards are not hygienically kept, they can harbour a significant amount of bacteria. The structure of beard hair can trap food particles, sweat, dead skin cells, and environmental pollutants.
“These trapped elements create a warm, moist environment that is ideal for bacterial growth. Over time, if not properly cleaned, a beard can become a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms.
“When kissing, bacteria from an unclean beard can easily transfer to a partner’s skin. This transfer of bacteria can lead to various skin infections.
“To prevent these health risks, regular washing and proper grooming of the beard are essential. Using mild soap or specialised beard shampoos can help remove trapped particles and reduce bacterial build-up.
“Regular trimming and brushing can prevent tangles and ensure that the beard stays clean and healthy. It’s also important to maintain good overall facial hygiene, including regular washing of the face and hands. By taking these steps, individuals with beards can enjoy their facial hair without compromising their own health or the health of their partners.”