
Beard Stubble: Style Statement or Pathogen Paradise?
Frequent touching of the beard, often with the hands, can spread germs from the environment.
Research over the past 50 years has shown that bacteria and toxins can persist in beards even after washing. This has led to concerns that beards may harbour bacteria, which could increase the risk for infection.
Healthcare Context
In healthcare, beards remain a topic of debate, particularly regarding the spread of hospital-acquired infections. Studies have shown mixed results; some have found higher overall bacterial counts on the faces of bearded healthcare workers than on those of their clean-shaven peers, while others have reported no significant difference.
One study comparing hygiene levels in human and dog MRI scans found that men's beards carried a higher microbiological load than canine fur, including potentially harmful bacteria. Interestingly, the same study also showed that bearded doctors were less likely to carry Staphylococcus aureus, a key cause of hospital-acquired infections, than clean-shaven doctors. In addition, patients treated by bearded surgeons did not have higher rates of postoperative infection.
Skin Infections
Beards can spread skin infections, such as impetigo, a contagious condition typically caused by S aureus, which can colonise facial hair. In rare cases, parasites such as pubic lice (Pthirus pubis) have been found in beards, eyelashes, or eyebrows, particularly in situations involving poor hygiene or close contact with an infected person.
Beard Care
Neglected or poorly maintained beards can cause skin irritation, inflammation, and infections. The underlying skin is sensitive, as it contains many blood vessels, nerves, and immune cells, and can be easily affected by oil, dead skin, and environmental factors. Experts recommend daily cleansing of the face and beard to effectively remove dirt, allergens, and microbes. Dermatologists also advise regular moisturisation, using a beard comb to clear out impurities, and trimming to manage stray hairs and support healthy growth.
The hygiene of a beard largely depends on how well it is cared for; when cleaned daily, it does not pose a significant risk.
This story was translated from Univadis Germany.
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Ohio prohibits facility fees just for telehealth appointments, and other states, such as Indiana, require hospitals to submit annual reports that include their facility fees. On the federal level, the Trump administration has pushed for protections to shield Medicare patients against some facility fees. A bipartisan proposal expected to be introduced in Congress this year would extend those reforms, requiring Medicare to pay the same rate for common outpatient services whether the doctor's office is independent or owned by a hospital. The American Hospital Association opposes efforts to limit facility fees, as does the Florida Hospital Association. In a phone interview, Florida Hospital Association President and CEO Mary Mayhew said hospitals are struggling to cover expenses, especially because Medicaid reimbursement 'doesn't come anywhere close to covering the cost' of many services that Florida hospitals provide. 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Eventually, the law will require these doctors' offices to notify all patients about their estimated facility fee costs before they see medical providers — but that portion of the law is not yet in effect. As patients discover the facility fees on their bills, some are switching to independent doctors to avoid the extra costs. In many cases, that means traveling farther for care: Dr. Evelio Sardiña, who practices concierge medicine in Jupiter about 45 minutes from Port St. Lucie, has heard these patients' frustrations firsthand. 'If you're being charged a new fee, you expect there to be a new service,' Sardiña said of his conversations with patients. 'It comes right down to, 'What is the service I'm getting for the money that I'm now being charged?' And the answer is, 'I'm not getting any new service — I'm just paying more, so I'm feeling a little more taken advantage of.'' One of the few Cleveland Clinic patients NBC News spoke to who remembered receiving notice in advance to expect a facility fee was Cindy Aaron, 68, who lives in Fort Pierce. A bladder and kidney cancer survivor, Aaron must see a urologist every six months to make sure she is still in remission. After receiving a letter in the mail from the Cleveland Clinic informing her of the new facility charges, she called to request an estimate ahead of her appointment in April. The 15-minute urologist appointments, which previously cost her only a $35 co-pay, would now cost an estimated $300, the Cleveland Clinic told her. She canceled the appointment. 'This is a rip-off,' Aaron said. 'I've never seen anything like this before.' Elizabeth Chuck reported from Port St. Lucie, Florida; Maite Amorebieta reported from New York. This article was originally published on Solve the daily Crossword