Barbers Itch and Tinea Barbae -Types of Folliculitis


Barbers itch, a type of folliculitis, is an infectious skin disease that occurs in the beards of men. It usually infects the upper lip area and is caused by a staph infection of the hair follicles.

Tinea barbae is similar to barbers itch and appears on the cheeks and other bearded areas of the face. This infection is caused by the fungus tinea. The same type of fungus that causes athletes foot and ringworm. Tinea barbae is also a highly infectious skin disease.

Barbers Itch - Infectious Skin Disease On the left is a picture of tinea barbae. It is easy to see how this infection would cause the skin to become painful and itchy. It would hardly add to a person's comfort or appearance.
How did this condition, 'barbers itch' get its name?

Years ago part of a mans' skin care routine was to go every day to the barbers for a shave. It seems that barbers thought that the sharpening of the razor on the leather strap actually disinfected the razor. We now know that wasn't the case, so the staph virus that causes barbers itch or the fungus that causes tinea barbae was easily spread from client to client.

The department of health stepped in and it became necessary for barbers to start sterilizing their razors correctly.

Now, if a hairdresser or barber uses a straight razor to shave the neck or any part of the face they have to use a razor that has a disposable blade and that blade has to be thrown away after being used. Thankfully, these two infectious skin diseases are a rarity.

When these infectious skin diseases occur today, it is most often found in rural areas. Anyone who works with animals is at risk of becoming infected as these infections are spread from animal to human. Being in contact with an infected pet could also pose a danger.

Symptoms of Barbers Itch and Tinea Barbae
  • itchy white bumps may appear in the bearded area of the neck and face

  • hair often breaks off in infected areas

  • the skin around the infection may become reddened.

  • swelling, crusting of pus-filled nodules, fever and swollen lymph nodes may occur in more serious cases.

Treatment for Barbers Itch and Tinea Barbae
  • Avoid shaving the infected area

  • Use an electric razor if possible

  • Avoid reinfections by not using contaminated washcloths and other clothing

  • Avoid friction on the infected area by not wear tight fitting clothing

  • Use topical antibiotics, antifungal creams, and oral antibiotics

Since both barbers itch and tinae barbae are infectious skin diseases and both affect the bearded area of mens face it is easy to lump them together. Even though they are both forms of folliculitis they are not caused by the same things.

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