HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR BARBER'S ITCH

Barber's itch is an inflammatory condition of hair follicles in the beard area of the face. It is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and becomes aggravated by shaving or rough fabrics. Barber's itch is a variation of Folliculitis, the general term used for infection of the hair follicles.

The infection is usually characterized by a small-white pus-filled pimples around the tiny pockets of one or more hair follicles. It is usually mild, however,  itching can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. On some occasions, it is painful too.

Mild folliculitis clears up on its own within a few days. However, severe infection may cause scarring and permanent loss of hair. Deep recurring infection might require medical treatment.

Causes- Usually, barber's itch is caused by a Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The bacterial invasion mostly occurs when you have damaged hair follicles.  Damaged hair follicles can be caused by the following 1.  Excessive shaving or tight clothing, 2.  Excessive sweating

Symptoms- Barber's itch is usually marked by an itchy, small white pus-filled pimples in the beard area of the face. It usually occurs when men begin shaving that causes scarring and makes the skin susceptible to bacterial invasion and infection. Small pustules appear at first on the upper lip, chin and jaw, then become more prevalent as shaving continues.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

For treating Barber’s itch homoeopathic remedies are found to be very effective. Some of the important remedies are given below.

SULPHUR IODIDE 3X—Sulphur iodide is an excellent remedy for barber’s itch. It is prescribed when popular eruptions are  face and the hair feels as if erect.

CALCAREA SULPH 30-Calcarea Sulph is one of the best   Homeopathic medicine for Barber’s itch where the indicating feature is pimples under the beard that discharge blood when scratched. These pimples are tender to the touch. Calcarea Sulph is also indicated in case of eruptions in the beard covered with yellowish or greenish scabs.  For pustular eruptions in beard discharging yellowish pus, Calcarea Sulph is one of the best Homeopathic medicines for Barber’s itch.

CICUTA VIROSA 30- Cicuta virosa is prescribed when Barber’s itch occurs due to shaving. The exudation forms in to a hard lemon coloured crust

GRAPHITES 30-Graphites is an effective Homeopathic medicine for Barber’s itch with pimples in the beard that ooze sticky discharge. This is followed by crust formation. Heat worsens the eruptions. Burning and stinging in the eruptions is observed. Falling of hair from the beard may also be noted.

LITHIUM CARBONICUM 200- Lithium carb is prescribed for Barber’s itch when scabby, tettery eruptions on cheeks preceded by red raw skin.

                            

PHYTOLACCA DEC. 30-Phytolacca dec.is an effective remedy for Barber’s itch with red or dark inflamed spots.Phytolacca dec. is prescribed when   pale or dark red inflamed spots in the beard is present.The spots are attended with itching. Washing worsens the inflammation. The skin in the beard area feels dry.

PETROLEUM 200- Petroleum is another effective remedy for Barber’s itch. It is prescribed when the skin is dry, sensitive, rough and cracked. The cracks bleed easily.

TELLURIUM 200- Tellurium is effective for Barber’s itch. It is prescribed when ring like eruptions occurs with offensive odour from the affected part. There is stinging pain on the affected part.

RHUS TOXICODENDRON 30-Rhus Tox is one of the most suitable Homeopathic medicines for Barber’s itch cases where the beard area is covered with moist eruptions with thick scabs. Suppuration in eruptions may be noted. It is attended with itching. Washing with hot water may bring relief. Sweating worsens the itching as also rubbing the eruptions.

For more details refer my book- Diseases of skin with Homoeopathic management.