Tired of Beard Acne & Ingrown Hairs? The Aesthetics Doctors MCR (Manchester) Explains How to Stop Them

Andrew Muress
Jul 31
4 min read

If you’re a man who dreads shaving because of the painful red bumps and breakouts that follow, you’re in good company. Here at our doctor-led men's skin and aesthetic clinic in the heart of Manchester city centre, this is one of the most common concerns we see. These shaving bumps aren’t just uncomfortable; they can seriously knock your confidence.

The good news is that this condition is well-understood and treatable. The medical terms are folliculitis barbae and pseudofolliculitis barbae, and they’re more common than you’d think.

Let's break down exactly what’s happening to your skin and, most importantly, what you can do about it.

Folliculitis barbae - Altmeyers Encyclopedia - Department Dermatology

What Is Folliculitis Barbae (Beard Acne)?

Think of folliculitis barbae as an infection of the hair follicles in your beard area. It’s typically caused by a common skin bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, which gets into the tiny openings where your hairs grow.

This leads to those familiar red, inflamed spots or pus-filled bumps (pustules) right at the base of your beard hairs. They can be itchy, painful, and have a frustrating habit of coming back again and again.

What Is Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (Ingrown Hairs)?

This is the classic "ingrown hair." Pseudofolliculitis barbae happens when a hair, after being shaved, curls back on itself and grows back into the skin. Your body sees this hair as a foreign object and triggers an inflammatory response, creating a bump that can be tender and sometimes get infected.

This is especially common for men with coarse or curly hair, including many men of Afro-Caribbean or African descent, as the natural curl of the hair makes it more likely to grow back into the skin.

For many men, these two conditions happen at the same time, creating a cycle of irritation, ingrown hairs, and infection.

Why You Shouldn't Ignore It: The Long-Term Risks

Dealing with the constant irritation is bad enough, but if left untreated, repeated inflammation can cause lasting damage. This includes:

Scarring: Permanent changes to the skin's texture.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Stubborn dark marks or spots left on the skin after the inflammation has healed.

This is a particularly important consideration for our patients with skin of colour, who are naturally more prone to developing PIH. These dark marks can take months, or even years, to fade without professional help.

Your Action Plan: How to Prevent and Treat Shaving Bumps

You have the power to break the cycle. Effective management starts with smart prevention and targeted treatment.

1. Start with a Better Shaving Technique

Give Your Skin a Break: If you can, avoid shaving every day. This gives your skin time to heal and recover.
Ditch the Multi-Blade Razor: Multi-blade razors can cut the hair too short, below the skin line, increasing the risk of it becoming ingrown. Switch to a single-blade manual razor or a good quality electric shaver.
Go With the Grain: Always shave in the same direction that your hair grows. Shaving against the grain gives a closer shave, but it's a major cause of irritation and ingrown hairs.
The 1mm Rule: Maintain a stubble length of 0.5−1mm. This can be accomplished with adjustable clippers or an electric razor equipped with a guard. This is short enough for a neat, clean look but long enough that the hairs are less likely to curl back into the skin.
Exfoliate First: Before you shave, use a gentle exfoliator to slough off dead skin cells that can trap hairs. Look for products with active ingredients like glycolic acid (7%) or salicylic acid.

2. Topical Treatments for Mild Cases

Use a gentle antiseptic cleanser or cream. Your doctor may recommend products like Dermol or prescribe a topical antibiotic like fusidic acid cream.
Steer clear of harsh, alcohol-based aftershaves or heavily fragranced products that will only irritate your skin further.

3. Medical Treatments for Severe or Recurring Bumps

When the problem is persistent or severe, it's time for medical intervention. If you have a deeper, more stubborn form of the infection (known as folliculitis sycosis), we may prescribe treatments such as:

Oral Antibiotics: A course of antibiotics like doxycycline can be very effective, as it works to both fight the bacterial infection and reduce inflammation in the skin.
Bacterial Eradication: For patients who suffer from repeated infections, we may implement a specific protocol to reduce the amount of Staph aureus bacteria living on the skin.

Get Doctor-Led Support in Manchester City Centre

You don't have to put up with painful beard acne and ingrown hairs. Understanding the cause is the first step, but a personalised treatment plan from a medical professional is the best way to achieve clear, comfortable skin.

If you’re struggling with this condition, book a consultation at our Manchester clinic. We can assess your skin, discuss your concerns, and create a plan to get you the results you deserve.