A health expert in Los Angeles, California has warned the public about a potential health risk arising from kissing men with unkempt beards, which harbor harmful bacteria.

Dr Myro Figura, an anesthesiologist explains on his social media that the tear in the skin provides an entry point for these bacteria, which can lead to skin infections, particularly if the beard isn’t properly cleaned.

An earlier study by Women health magazine in the United States of America  stated that a beard burn is an irritation that happens on skin when rubbed against sharp beard hair and partners are vulnerable to getting beard burn when kissing and possibly also during oral sex.

The study revealed that an unclean beard can harbor a lot of bacteria and when kissing, it can cause breaks in the skin allowing bacteria to enter called impetigo.

According to Dr Figura, unkempt beards can harbor harmful bacteria, including staphylococcus (staph) and streptococcus (strep) potentially leading to infections likes impetigo, which starts with red sores or blisters, which may be harder to see on brown and black skin.

“The sores or blisters quickly burst and often leave crusty, golden brown patches, the patches can look like cornflakes stuck to your skin , get bigger and spread to other parts of your body, unclean beard can harbor bacteria which may cause infections such as impetigo, a contagious but treatable skin condition,” Dr Figura says.

This warning has ignited varied reactions, with some individuals sharing their own experiences and medical professionals offering differing perspectives.

Claver Natanga, a male resident from Ntinda, acknowledges that there are challenges associated with a long beard and recommends that having a beard with visible skin is quite better.

“When it grows beyond that, it becomes itchy and can cause skin rashes without you noticing. This creates dead skin and, hence, the health issues they are mentioning above, and its complex to take care of,” Natanga says.

He shares that the short ones can easily be combed properly and washed while removing broken hairs, and they look better with a little oil to prevent dryness.

“Some people develop pimples and can’t get rid of them properly because the beard is too long; some are just disgusting, especially when not taken care of,” Natanga adds.

However, medical professionals have offered a more toned view on the matter.

Dr Opio Daniel Owinyi of Nsamizi hospital Entebbe echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the risks are largely tied to general hygiene.

“Unless someone is generally dirty, because the bacteria they are talking about are found on everyone’s skin, the risk is there for someone who doesn’t like bathing, proper hygiene is key,” Dr Opio stated.

The debate underscores the importance of maintaining good hygiene, regardless of facial hair. While the risk of infection exists, it appears to be significantly mitigated by regular cleaning and proper beard maintenance.