Why does my skin start to break-out when I grow a beard?

My problem is that when I grow a beard my skin, specifically along the jawline of my beard starts to breakout.  When I'm clean-shaven I have no problems with break-outs, but only when i grow a beard.  Its not ingrown hairs either, but its painful and when I examine it in the mirror i can see whiteheads at the base of the hairs.  My Solution is to pluck those hairs out, but it continues.  I've tried different skin cleaning, cleansing, toning, exfoliating products with no success.  I also make a concious effort not to touch my face, sleep on my back, etc. to avoid aggravating it further.  But its only along my jawline specifically, but not my chin or anywhere else.  I also notice dry flaky skin in the area as well.  I enjoy the look of the beard so is there any solution at all that I can come up with?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like pseudofolliculitis barbae. It is more commonly found in med who shave their faces. It is because of ingrowing of the shaved hair which may present as pimples. To prevent it water soften the beard first with a hot, wet washcloth for five minutes and then shave.  Other treatment options include shaving in a different direction, tweezing, exfoliating with facial scrubs, sponges, towels or creams containing acid and ibuprofen or other NSAIDs. Topical application of dilute glycolic acid and salicylic prepared solutions are also helpful. You can consult a dermatologist and discuss these treatment options with him.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[da523]

"Dr." Kaur clearly has not read sparky's comments. I shutter to think what his or her patients have experienced in Dr. Kaur's office ("Dr. Kaur - I'd like to keep the baby..."). Sparky, like myself, wants to KEEP the beard. I too do not break out when shaving. However, about a week into growing my beard my skin starts to break out and get irritated with dry flakes of skin. I give up after about 3 weeks and just shave it back off. We would like to KEEP our beards.