Some members of MySebDermTeam have wondered about rashes under their beards and how to best manage them. One member explained, “It started in my scalp, then my face, beard, behind the ears, neck, ears, and chest. I have always had oily skin from the shoulder blades up.”

Teens and adults often develop seborrheic dermatitis on the face and scalp, leading to patches of inflamed skin, itchiness, and dandruff. Your doctor or dermatologist is the best person to give you individualized treatment options, but these general tips can also help manage symptoms that affect your beard.

1. Remove Dead Skin Cells Before Washing

Flaky skin and dandruff are common concerns with seborrheic dermatitis. Fortunately, you can take steps to temporarily reduce flaking under your beard. Apply mineral, olive, or peanut oil to the skin and let it sit for one to three hours. Then use a beard brush to gently exfoliate your skin and carefully pull off the loose flakes before washing your face.

2. Minimize Use of Styling Products

If you take pride in having a long or stylish beard, you may enjoy using products like beard oils, styling creams, gels, and colognes. But it’s important to check their ingredients to make sure they won’t worsen your skin condition. Some people are sensitive to the chemicals in certain skin and hair products, which can be a trigger for seborrheic dermatitis symptoms.

Always opt for fragrance-free and alcohol-free products to decrease your chance of a flare-up. If possible, reduce your use of cosmetic products in areas affected by seborrheic dermatitis, and focus on topical treatments (such as ketoconazole cream) recommended by your dermatologist instead.

3. Shave Your Face

Maintaining a beard can be difficult if you’re prone to seborrheic dermatitis symptoms on your face. Some people find that shaving makes it easier to keep flare-ups under control. “If I don’t shave, my face breaks out where my beard is. However, if I continue to shave, I never have a problem,” shared a MySebDermTeam member.

If you don’t want to shave your entire face, consider wearing beard styles without a mustache or trimming the hair shorter. You could also alternate between shaving and growing out your beard when your symptoms have subsided.

4. Protect Against the Elements

Another common trigger for seborrheic dermatitis symptoms is a change of seasons or dry weather. You can’t control conditions outdoors, but upping the humidity indoors may help hydrate dry skin, warding off symptoms in your beard and other areas. If you’ll be outdoors in cold weather, wrap a scarf around the lower half of your face for protection against harsh temperatures and wind.

Hot weather can also be a concern if you spend lots of time in the sun. The hair of a thick beard may help block underlying skin from damaging rays. However, exposed areas of skin can become irritated by sunburn and heat. It’s important to keep your skin out of direct sunlight and use a mineral sunscreen to protect any skin under your beard that may be exposed. Also, remember to use lukewarm water when washing your face or showering — hot water can dry out skin and potentially worsen your symptoms.

5. Wear Light-Colored Shirts

Just like dandruff on the scalp, beard dandruff from seborrheic dermatitis can leave noticeable white flakes on your shirt. Wearing lighter-colored tops can make dandruff less visible than it is on black shirts and jackets. A lighter wardrobe won’t stop dandruff from falling from your beard, of course, but there will be less of a contrast between your clothing and dry skin flakes. Members of MySebDermTeam have also suggested carrying a mini lint roller to remove dandruff from clothing.

6. Manage Stress Proactively

Along with following your doctor’s prescribed skin care routine, it’s important to remember that other factors can affect seborrheic dermatitis — including stress. Flare-ups on your beard or elsewhere may be linked to stressful experiences, and finding ways to reduce anxiety levels can help keep symptoms under control.

Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and spending time in nature can help lower daily stress. Remember that your mental and physical health are closely intertwined, so therapy and community connections may play important roles in living well with seborrheic dermatitis. Take the initiative to reach out for support during difficult times, such as a job loss or family issue.

7. Ask Your Dermatologist About Treatment Options

If attempts at managing seborrheic dermatitis in your beard at home aren’t working, it might be time to ask a dermatologist about your treatment options. There’s a variety of options for seborrheic dermatitis that could be used on the beard area, including medicated shampoos, foams, and creams.

Many people find topical products helpful for treating and preventing symptoms under facial hair. Be sure to rinse your beard thoroughly after removing products to get rid of any buildup or residue.

One MySebDermTeam member shared their experience: “I’ve been following a regimen for the last three months of washing my face twice a day with nizoral dandruff shampoo, then using prescription strength ketoconazole cream. My face has cleared up substantially.”

Your dermatologist may recommend using a topical product on your beard daily during flare-ups, as well as once every week or two to prevent flare-ups after your symptoms clear. Medicated topicals include a range of treatments, including antifungals like ketoconazole and ciclopirox (Loprox), as well as medications designed to ease inflammation, such as hydrocortisone, clobetasol (Clobex, Temovate), and roflumilast (Zoryve).

As with any medical treatment, follow your dermatology provider’s instructions to make sure you use them properly and reduce the risk of irritated skin and side effects.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MySebDermTeam is the social network for people with seborrheic dermatitis and their loved ones. On MySebDermTeam, more than 7,100 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their tips with others who understand life with seborrheic dermatitis.

What treatment options, cleansers, or lotions do you find most helpful for dry skin under your beard hair? Do you have any other tips for reducing flaky skin or skin irritation under your beard? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.