Does kissing a bearded man put you at greater risk of infections? The question makes you smile, but it also intrigues many couples, particularly following a viral video of a famous American doctor.
A skin infection… It’s the beard!
If the beard is not clean, it can harbor many viruses and bacteria such as staphylococci (including Staphylococcus aureus, often responsible for contagious skin infections) and streptococci, which are far from harmless and can be the cause of infection. On this subject, the video of the famous Dr. Myro Figura is impressive.
Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical, confirms that “a beard can indeed harbor bacteria and viruses that can cause infections, but fortunately this is not systematic or specific to beards, because a simple kiss without a beard can also transmit germs!“.
So no reason to break up with your hipster boyfriend right away. The issue is therefore not so much the beard itself as its maintenance.
Beard and germs: a real or exaggerated risk?
According to Dr. Kierzek, “a poorly maintained beard, with accumulation of sebum, dead cells, food residues and pollutants, can promote irritation, inflammation, and the development of bacteria or fungi, which increases the risk of infection.
And if when kissing, the beard can cause irritation to the skin, this promotes the transmission of infectious agents. “Skin infections like impetigo can be transmitted through close contact, including kissing with an unclean beard“.
Even more surprising and fortunately rarer: “parasites like crabs can also be transmitted by contact with infected hairs“, warns Dr. Kierzek.
But the doctor puts things into perspective: “a kiss, with or without a beard, can transmit germs, the beard does not create a systematic additional risk or necessarily a higher risk“.
The essential good gestures for kissing without risk
It is therefore the cleanliness of the beard which will be important. A well-maintained beard, washed regularly and moisturized with appropriate care (oil, balm) significantly reduces the risk of irritation and microbial proliferation. Dr. Gérald Kierzek summarizes as follows:
“The main thing is really the hygiene of the beard! The groomed hair is less irritating and less prone to accumulating microbes. Conversely, a neglected beard acts as a reservoir of bacteria and irritating compounds, which can promote local infections and inflammations.”
So there’s no question of skipping the kisses! Dr. Kierzek delivers his recommendations “to the point”:
- Wash the beard regularly with a suitable shampoo or mild soap;
- Apply moisturizing oils or balms to avoid irritation and keep the beard soft;
- Avoid direct contact with a visibly dirty or smelly beard;
- Maintain good general facial and hand hygiene;
- Finally, in the event of a skin infection or irritation, treat quickly to avoid contagion.