In a recent viral TikTok video, user Rylee Kriete shared her regrettable experience after kissing a man with facial hair. What seemed like a harmless gesture turned into a nightmare as Kriete developed a painful rash on her chin, prompting dermatologist Dr. Muneeb Shah, known as @dermdoctor, to shed light on a commonly overlooked issue of beard bacteria. Continue reading to find out more about this serious issue.
Beware the Bearded Kiss
Dr. Shah emphasized the significant amount of bacteria residing in beards, especially when not properly maintained. When facial hair comes into contact with the skin, it can create tiny cuts, paving the way for infections like impetigo.
Impetigo, caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus, manifests as red sores or blisters that may burst and form crusty patches. While usually not serious, it is contagious and can spread rapidly without proper treatment.
The doctor claimed, “Beards carry a bunch of bacteria and when you rub against them they create tiny little cuts in the skin, which can lead to infections like impetigo.”
The Solution
The solution? Clean your beards regularly. Dr. Shah recommends washing with soap and water or using a gentle hypochlorous acid product to mitigate bacterial buildup. Treating impetigo typically involves antibiotics prescribed by a physician.
TikTok users expressed shock and concern, with many questioning the hygiene practices of some individuals. The conversation sparked a call for better beard maintenance and overall facial hygiene.
While growing a beard offers benefits such as reduced sun exposure and softer skin, it’s essential to prioritize cleanliness to avoid unwanted skin conditions. Additionally, genetics play a role in beard growth, and contrary to popular belief, shaving doesn’t stimulate thicker hair growth.
Women Reacted
In light of these revelations, partners were praised for their diligent beard hygiene, highlighting the importance of overall cleanliness for healthy skin and relationships alike.
Some of the women in the comments wrote:
“Everyone asking how to wash your beard do y’all not wash your face? Do you only wash the exposed skin on your face? Just wash the WHOLE face hello?!”, said someone.
“There are literally whole brands dedicated to beard washing MEN BE BETTER.”
“Are there people who don’t wash their beard?”
“If a man went as far as ruining my clear skin I would become violent,” stated another.
In conclusion, while facial hair can add charm, ensuring cleanliness is paramount to prevent skin woes. So, before puckering up to a bearded beau, remember Dr. Shah’s advice: “Clean your beards.”
Similar Experiences Shared
In 2021, a TikTok video shared by user @hannahwitts42 blew up the internet, recounting her harrowing experience with beard bacteria after locking lips with a man sporting some serious beard stubble. The hashtag #StubbleSurvivor attached to Hannah’s video ignited a flurry of conversations about the unexpected dangers lurking in intimate moments.
She blames this unwelcome souvenir squarely on a smooch with a guy who clearly hadn’t heard of a razor. The photos are not for the faint-hearted, showcasing what can only be described as a fiery burn with those oh-so-unpleasant pus-filled blisters, followed by the gradual stages of healing. Ouch!
Related TikTok
On the other hand, another doctor took to TikTok to defend the long beards. Dr. Karan Raj shed light on the unexpected perks of having facial hair. He talks about how beards could actually keep man cleaner by lowering the risk of bacterial infections and making our skin softer and healthier. Plus, they might even help protect against sun damage and skin cancer. So the beard bacteria is not only bad apparently.
Have you ever had this kind of issue? Tell us in the comments.
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