Barber’s itch is mainly a type of folliculitis affecting the beard area of men. Folliculitis refers to infection or inflammation of the hair follicles. Barber’s itch is caused by infection of hair follicles of the beard by bacteria staphylococcal aureus. A condition similar to barber’s itch that affects the beard area in men is tinea barbae. However, tinea barbae is caused by a fungal infection.