"The groundwork of all happiness is health." - Leigh Hunt

Beard and germ: What does evidence show

Beards have long attracted doubts, sometimes seen as stylish, sometimes as anesthesia. But how dirty are they really dirty?

Human skin has billions of microorganisms – mainly bacteria, but in addition fungus and viruses – and facial hair provides a singular environment for his or her flourishing. Research It shows that beard, especially, supports the dense and diverse microbial population, which has given everlasting belief that they're naturally unhealthy. Washington Post recently Reported In some toilets, the beard has lower than the beard.

But is the beard really a hygiene risk? Taking a keen eye on the evidence shows a crucial picture.

The microbial population on the skin varies when it comes to location and is affected by aspects equivalent to the provision of temperatures, pHs, moisture and nutrients. Beard creates a hot, often moist environment where food debris and oil can accumulate – ideal conditions for microbial growth.

These germs not only flourish attributable to warm, moist situation, but in addition due to the provision of beards, but in addition attributable to the constant exposure to latest pollution and microbes, especially by hands that usually touch the surfaces and faces.



Scientists have greater than 50 years of concern about beard hygiene. Quick Studies It has been shown that facial hair can still maintain bacteria and bacterial toxins. As a result, it created a sustainable concept that the beard acts as a bacterial reserves and could possibly be susceptible to infection for others.

This, for health care staff, has made the beards some extent of controversy, especially in hospitals where the delivery of pathogens is a priority. However, hospital -based research has shown mixed results. A Study It has been found that bearded health care staff have a better bacterial burden on their faces than a clean shaved peers.

One more InquestSeeing whether it could be healthy to judge dogs and humans in the identical MRI scanner, it's found that almost all men have significantly more germs than dog skin, including the presence of harmful bacteria. Researchers concluded: “If they use the same MRI, dogs have no danger to humans.”

A dog standing in front of an MRI scanner.
Dogs and humans can share the identical MRI scanner.
DMYTRO ZINKEVYCH/Shortstock.com

However, other studies have challenged the concept beard increases the danger of infection. For example, found an inquiry There is no specific difference Bacterial colonies between bearded and clean health care staff.

The same study also states that bearded doctors are less prone to carry, which is a serious reason behind infection on the hospital, and that the speed of infection has not increased in patients treated by bearded surgeons wearing surgical masks.

Beard can sometimes Spread the skin infectionsLike, equivalent to impetigo – An infectious rash often occurs, which is often present in facial hair.

In rare cases, Pobic losers equivalent to parasites – who often live within the waist area – may also Show In the beard, eyebrows or eyelashes, especially poor hygiene or close contact with an affected person.

A photo of a navel Laos.
Naaf's lice sometimes also lives in beards.
Science Photo Library / Alma Stock Photo

A case of fine beard hygiene

Negative beard can promote irritation, inflammation and infection. Skin under the beard – wealthy in blood vessels, nerve elimination and immune cells Highly sensitive Microbial and environmental stress. When sebum, dead skin, food debris and pollution accumulate, they will disturb the skin and supply fuel Focus and bacterial growth.

Experts Strictly recommend Every day is washing beard and face. Doing so removes dirt, oil, allergens and dead skin, which helps prevent microbial construction.

Also dermatologist Advise To prevent dryness, moisture, using a beard comb to wash debris, and trimmed loose hair to regulate and reduce excuses. These measures help maintain not only hygiene but in addition to keep up the health and appearance of the beard.

So, is the beard dirty? Like most things, it also relies on how well you take care of them. With every day hygiene and proper grooming, beards are barely in danger and might be even healthy that we thought.