Most beards itch while they are growing out. The scratchiness typically begins after about one week of growth and lasts for two to three weeks. There are several methods that can be used to control the discomfort during this period of time, including keeping the beard clean and dry, moisturizing the skin, and using an anti-itch cream. Infections and other medical conditions can also cause an itchy beard, so if other measures don't work, you may want to consult a medical professional.
To contain the beard itch, first try washing the beard during your shower with a gentle conditioning shampoo. Be sure to rinse the soap residue from the hair completely, because soap left behind can irritate the skin and make itchiness worse. Following the shampoo, apply a small amount of conditioner to the beard area, leave it in for a few minutes, and then wash it away. After showering, thoroughly dry the beard to remove any moisture trapped between the coarse hairs and the skin.
If shampooing and conditioning does not relieve an itchy beard, add a facial moisturizer to your beard after the shower. Work the lotion into the beard by placing a small portion of lotion on the tip of one or two fingers and working it down into the skin in a circular motion. This will moisturize the skin surrounding the hair follicles and somewhat soften the coarse beard hairs. When you are finished, take a dry towel and gently remove any excess lotion that is clinging to the hair. This can be done a few times a day to provide relief.
Hydrocortisone cream can be applied if the itchiness has become severe enough for you to consider shaving your beard off. Any over-the-counter, topical anti-itch cream should be sufficient to help control the discomfort. To apply, place a small amount on your finger tip and work it through the beard onto the skin. The cream can be applied once or twice a day.
There are some medical conditions that can contribute to an itchy beard. The most common is an ingrown hair, a hair that has grown back into the follicle and produces a swollen bump similar to a pimple. This is most common in men with very curly hair. To treat this problem, clean and exfoliate the area and apply a small amount of acne cream to soften the skin and release the hair.
Tinea barbae is an itchy fungal infection of the beard area. This condition can sometimes be hard to treat and may require shaving the beard and applying anti-fungal cream. A bacterial infection of beard hair follicles, called pseudofolliculitis barbae, can be treated by washing the beard area with anti-bacterial soap and applying an antibiotic cream.