A doctor has warned anyone with a bearded partner to take precautions before sharing a kiss. Dr. Sermed Mezher, a London-based doctor and content creator, shared a clip with his TikTok followers of a woman showing off her breakout of a common skin condition.

She believed it was after “kissing a boy with stubble,” the caption said. He said that in his professional opinion she had contracted a bacterial skin infection known as impetigo and confirmed that she was not wrong about the possible cause.

The bearded doctor said: “At the risk of shooting myself in the foot, beards can be a fairly common cause. The reason for this is that the small hairs in the beard can create tiny holes in the skin through which bacteria can enter – especially if the man has poor beard hygiene.”

The NHS calls it a “highly contagious” skin infection that is fortunately not usually serious and with the right treatment it can usually get better within a few days.

Dr. Mezher pointed out that the condition leaves behind a “characteristic golden crust” that can be itchy or painful. Impetigo can resemble other skin conditions like cold sores, eczema and shingles, so it’s always best to schedule an appointment with your doctor to get the lowdown on what’s going on with your face.

Treatment for the condition comes from a GP or pharmacist and depends on how widespread the problem is. You will be given hydrogen peroxide cream if it is in one spot or a course of antibiotic cream/tablets if it is more widespread.

He advised that all men who are growing facial hair should rinse “two to three times a week” and use a good quality bread shampoo. He added that if beard shampoo is not available, the same shampoo you use on your hair will work just as well.

Continuing in the caption of his own video, Dr. Mezher said: “If not hygienically maintained, beards can harbor a significant amount of bacteria. The structure of beard hair can trap food particles, sweat, dead skin cells, and environmental pollutants.

“These trapped elements create a warm, moist environment that is ideal for bacterial growth. Over time, if not properly cleaned, a beard can become a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms.

“When kissing, bacteria from an unclean beard can easily be transferred to a partner’s skin. This transfer of bacteria can lead to various skin infections.

“To prevent these health risks, regular washing and proper beard care are essential. Using mild soaps or special beard shampoos can help remove trapped particles and reduce bacterial buildup.

“Regular trimming and brushing can prevent tangles and keep the beard clean and healthy. It’s also important to maintain good overall facial hygiene, including washing your face and hands regularly. By taking these steps, bearded people can enjoy their facial hair without compromising their own health or the health of their partners.”