What is Sycosis Barbae
Sycosis barbae is an infection (often caused by species of Staphylococcus or Propionibacterium bacteria) that leads to inflammation and irritation of the hair follicles in the chin or bearded region in men. This infection causes erythema, (abnormal redness of the skin due to capillary dilation) and painful pustules and papules to form in the beards. Some people mistake them for small pimples and pick them. Men with these ‘small pimples’ find it difficult to shave because when they do, they break out with bloodstains. The infection usually affects the superficial parts of the hair follicles but sometimes it can be deeper and affect deeper parts of the follicles. Sycosis barbae occasionally leads to scarring.
Causes of Sycosis Barbae
Over the years, people have searched for the cause(s) of Sycosis barbae and accusing fingers have been pointed at the use of blunt razor blades, unsterilized shaving tools, poor hygiene of the barber and even the individual’s skin condition. Knowing that Sycosis barbae is a staphylococcal infection, all of these causes can then be seen as triggers in that they can cause one to have the infection.
Most people believe that this infection can occur if one constantly uses a blunt razor blade in shaving. The use of blunt razor affects the skin in the bearded area in that it forcefully takes out the hair thereby irritating the underlying skin.
Men who shave irregularly are more susceptible to this infection than those who shave regularly.
The use of unsterilized shaving equipment is a gateway to this malady because the acquired dirt and harmful elements on the razor or clipper are transferred to the skin and reacts to it the moment they come in contact. It can lead to itching and even more severe situation.
Some barbers do not give a rat’s ear about hygiene. They use the same clipper on a hundred and one clients with taking out time to clean it. Some do not even take care of their hands or wash them once in a while as they work. So when they place their unclean hands and infected clippers on the face of their client, they expose their skin to attack.
Some people already have very sensitive skins that are defenseless and easily affected by harmful elements. These people with vulnerable skin are more prone to having an infection than others whose skins are thick.
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How to prevent Sycosis Barbae
Constant treatment of shaving tools like razors and clippers. Whether an individual goes to the barbing salon to shave or does it by himself in his house, the tools must be properly treated. At the saloon, the barber offers his service to whoever walks in and you do not know who has one infection or the other so whenever you opt for the services of a barber, make sure his tools are sterilized and if not insist on it. For those who do their shaving by themselves, maintaining hygiene is also important; make sure tolls are sterilized and kept away from dust and other harmful external elements.
1. Have your own grooming tools. For those who do not shave their beards by themselves, get your own grooming equipment as well and take them along with you when going to the barbers. After use, make sure that they are sterilized very well before you keep them. Also, they should be cleaned immediately after use. Do not postpone their cleaning so that dirt will not stick to them; dirt leaves faster when you wash immediately.
2. Use the shaving stick once and dispose to avoid infections. Some people do make sure they clean their equipment once they finish using but to be on a safe side, the shaving stick should be used once and disposed of.
3. Don’t share your grooming tools especially the shaving stick. The sharing of sharp objects generally is not encouraged to avoid the transfer of certain diseases. If a shaving stick is used on infected skin, it is already contaminated and when used by someone who does not have the infection, he can easily contact it.
4. Whenever you notice any anomaly, do well to seek proper medical counseling and checkup. This disease develops gradually and the first sign of it is very painful pimples and whether you pinch it or not it does not make any difference, it won’t go away. So, nothing is inconsequential; the slightest of sensation or spot should not be overlooked as it may turn out to be a nasty papule or a pustule. One importance of seeking medical advice early is that it enables early detection of the infection and consequently early treatment which goes a long way in boosting the healing process and avoiding scars that usually occur from severe cases.
5. Be hygienic. Having said and done all, the place of hygiene in all of these cannot be neglected. One way of preventing this disorder is a regular healthy grooming routine. Both men who keep beards, whether long or short and those who have decided to go cleanly shaven ought to have a healthy lifestyle towards their bodies generally and bearded regions specifically. Sometimes, Sycosis barbae is not only caused by the Staphylococcus pyogenes aureus, but other supposed harmless skin bacteria can also be a factor especially when they have been accumulated in the skin over a period of time and have thus overgrown. To prevent this, the constant hygienic routine must be maintained.
6. Lastly, avoid working in overheated ill-ventilated areas as this may trigger the infection.
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Sycosis Barbae Treatment
Most people who suffer from this infection are people who shave irregularly. It is commonly known that areas, where men grow facial hairs, are prone to irritation and infection that is why a healthy grooming routine is of utmost importance in preventing this and other infections and also in managing and treating it in the case of an eventuality. So, one effective way of treating this infection is regular shaving because, according to some specialists, those who shave daily and those who do not shave at all, rarely suffer from the barbers’ rash. However, some men and specialists are of the opinion that constant shaving can make one prone to having this infection. This, according to them, is why this condition is quite common among military men compared to men in other fields where men are allowed to grow beards, if they so desire, without any restrictions whatsoever. What is most important is that you understand yourself and know what excites or irritates your skin and take care of it accordingly. Here are the things to routinely observe in the treatment of Sycosis barbae.
1. While daily shaving is a necessity in the treatment of this disorder, it is not just enough to shave. The patient must use a sharp shaving tool, be it a razor or a clipper. Using a blunt razor can aggravate the situation especially as the skin is already inflamed.
2. The patient should also use antiseptic lotion. It should be generously dabbed on and left to dry; it will aid the eradication of the infection from the follicles;
3. Also, the patient must seek medical help. This recalcitrant staphylococcal infection is very difficult to treat, even though it affects the surface parts of the hair follicles, so you do not want to make things worse by boycotting necessary treatments. Conditions like this (and other medical conditions) are not what quacks should handle; an expert has to come in and do his/her job to avoid improper treatment which may result in a chronic version of the infection.
4. The condition can also become chronic if the pus from pustules or septic infection discharges externally and touches the beards thereby re-infecting it. The discharges can be prevented from touching the beards by dabbing it off gently without hurting the already inflamed and tender skin. Also, boils, fissures at sides of the mouth, infective lesions in the nose, ears, gum, etc can contribute to making the situation worse. So, for a proper and total cure to take place, all other maladies and infections must be properly resolved.
5. The patient must ensure that he shaves off his beards completely when undergoing the treatment of Sycosis barbae to ensure proper treatment of the affected area, although doctor’s recommendation is of utmost importance and overrides other prescriptions. If the doctor permits complete shaving, the patient should endeavor to do this carefully so as to avoid cutting the pustules and spreading the pus, and consequently the infection, to other areas of the face.
6. Also, while undergoing treatment, the patient must ensure that he completes the process to avoid a resurgence of the condition and possibly scarring.
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Alternative Treatment For Sycosis Barbae
Some medical practitioners frown against epilating the affected follicle although it is recommended by some. Some of those who do prescribe the following as a helpful process of getting rid of this infection:
Firstly, they advise an epilation of the affected follicle and evacuation of pus from the pustules.
Then the washing and drying of the affected part. Drying should be done by mopping gently instead of sliding the towel across the face to avoid hurting the affected skin.
After this, the patient should apply iodine (without potassium iodide) and spirit and leave to dry. Then apply doctors’ prescribed sulfur lotion and zinc cream as specified.
Penicillin and after-shave have also been spotted as cure/prevention
Finally on Sycosis Barbae Treatment
Sycosis barbae is an infection of the hair follicles caused by Staphylococcus pyogenes aureus which produces inflammation leading to the formation of an abscess in the follicle. It can also be caused/triggered by unsterilized shaving tools, poor hygiene of the barber. The infection is usually superficial but sometimes it can be deeper and affect deeper parts of the follicles. Sycosis barbea occasionally leads to scarring. Several preventive measures can be taken to avoid or reduce the chances of, being infected such as getting personal shaving equipment and not sharing them, seeking medical advice whenever an anomaly is noticed, avoiding working in ill-ventilated and overheated areas and, very importantly, maintaining a healthy personal hygiene. For treatment, patients should advise that they seek the help of an expert medical practitioner.
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Helpful Tips on Sycosis Barbae Treatment
Avoid going to a barbershop where they use only one or two clippers because it is easier to contract an infection from there in that the barber gets to rotate between two clippers or use one; his making them potentially harmful because proper sterilization is either impossible or rarely done.
Know what is good for you and stick to it. Beauty is personal, so every man should know what is best for them, whether to keep beards or to be clean-shaven. Also, men should know what works best in adopting a shaving routine and the choice of products and shaving tools to use for their beards. This will prevent them from exposing their beards to harmful elements and make avoid subjecting their skin to harsh and incompatible treatments.
Avoid using shaving sticks. For some people, the shaving stick is not good so the clipper will be better. So, if you are one of those persons, ditch your shaving sticks and invest in clippers.
Use shampoo, conditioner, creams and good beard oils on your beards to make it soft and healthy. When an infection is noticed, treat with pills or creams depending on what is good for you. To be on a safe side, seek medical advice on time and adhere to doctor’s recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
Is syscosis barbae contagious?
The majority of the folliculitis can be cured, and not all are contagious. It can be caused by infectious agents such as sharing of razors, hot tubs or Jacuzzis and person-to-person-contact.
How long does it take razor bumps to heal?
Razor bumps can be cleared within 4-5 days under proper care. Self-care and home remedies can be implemented to clear earlier even before they start showing up.
What triggers Syscosis barbae?
It can be trigger whenever you shave your beard.
How can I stop this permanently?
To put an end to this; the way out is to stop doing certain things and one of them is to put an end to completely shave off your beard. You can trim them instead. We also have cases where it is triggered when one uses a blade or beard shaver. let’s take, for example, we have those that would get it triggered when they use a razor instead of a beard shaving stick. If you noticed that it comes out whenever you used razor it is better to put an end to it use.
Does Coconut help the Sycosis barbae?
To some coconut oil is for cooking, but it’s also good for the skin. Findings have it that coconut oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. To treat syscosis barbae with coconut oil, apply a little layer of the oil on the inflamed area.
Can Vaseline be used for Syscosis barbae?
Looking at it from another perspective, vaseline can be of great help. What you will do is take a hot bath and then apply vaseline to the affected area.
Can I Use moisturizers for syscosis barbae?
Using 1% hydrocortisone anti-itch cream for razor burn can help soothes the irritation and itchiness. Only use the cream twice in a day, and avoid using it for more than several days.
Does apple cider vinegar help with razor burn?
Because of apple cider vinegar anti-inflammatory properties, it helps to soothe the skin by reducing itching and inflammation.
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Conclusion
We have talked at length on what sycosis is, how it can be treated and causes of sycosis barbae. It does not end at that, we also looked into different natural remedies that can be used to prevent it from spreading, how longe it will take before it gets cleared and possible things that can get it triggered again.
From all we have discussed; you should be able to identify sycosis barbae, treat it with natural remedies method and also prevent it from showing up again.
If you have any complaints or contribution you wants to make kindly make use of the comment box.