Irritation

[opliko]

Okay guys I'm not new here but I noticed something this winter after letting my facial hair grow out for a while, since I work outside. After about 5 days my face broke out with irritation all over it, and became really itchy. After closer inspection I found my hair curls as it gets longer and pokes back into my face causing "acne-like" symptoms. This only happens on my sideburns/cheeks, neck and upper lip areas, the chin and soul patch do not get the irritation.

Shaved it all off except for the chin area and used the witch hazel and some AV to calm down the irritation. My question is does anyone know a way to keep the hair from irritating my face? I don't look bad with it there and it definitely keeps me a little warmer. If I decide to try and grow it out another time maybe I could try lotion or conditioner or something?


After googling my problems and searching a bit I found a site that says the lotion and/or preshave oil will help, and to NOT itch it. (that must have been my problem, lol I was itching it a bunch)

[Schitzy]

What??? You want advice on not shaving? Blasphemer!!

No but seriously I found when I grew a beard in the past the itching and irritation only lasted a a few days, usualy days 5 -8 . By using a good hair conditioner to soften the hair it hardly bothered me.

And it goes without saying, DO NOT SCRATCH that Itch.

[cvac]

Sounds like infected ingrown hairs. There are many ingrown hair treatments available, you could try one of those.

Using a small amount of hair conditioner while you shower probably couldn't hurt, and you could also get a high quality moisturizer or aftershave balm to rub into the skin under your beard during and after the grow out phase.

[jadam318]

Sounds like you've already run across a good solution. I like the conditioner idea. :thumbup1:

[bulldog]

I've not had any experience trying this but I've heard a daily exfolliation (OTC product or just salt and olive oil) on the area can soften and lift those hairs to prevent the ingrown issues. Couldn't hurt to try - just don't be too agressive as daily exfolliation could be quite harsh and irritating in and of itself. Once your hairs are too long for this too be practical the conditioner idea sounds good. Combing it may even help some.

Good luck,
Nate.