Psuedofolliculitis Barbae

Psuedofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) is the name of an inflammatory and pustular condition of the bearded areas of the face. It is especially common in individuals with short tightly curled hair who attempt to get a “close” or “clean” shave. Essentially, the curled hairs grow back into the skin instead of out through the hair follicle opening and cause an intense inflammatory reaction. It occurs in the military setting especially among African-Americans. Many cases of PFB can be controlled by altering shaving techniques to avoid cutting off beard hair too close to or below the skin.

Preventive Methods

1. If possible, don’t shave. Leave a clean short beard.

2. Avoid double-edged blades. One blade is designed to pull the hair up and the other to cut the hair off below the level of the skin. I suggest protective blades such as the Bumpfighter brand.

3. Use a non-irritating foam such as Aveeno Shaving Gel

4. Shave in the direction of beard growth (smooth) not against it (rough). Use your hand to determine this.

5. Shave with clippers or an electric adjustable razor on its highest setting.

6. Some individuals find a chemical depilatory agent to be preferable to clippers or blades for shaving. Others find the chemicals too irritating to their skin.

7. Once or twice a day use a soft bristled brush in a circular pattern to the beard area. This will release hair that is beginning to grow into the skin.

8. Prescription medication can be given to use daily and/or as an aftershave.

9. Non-prescription Tend Skin can be very helpful in limiting the irritation or ingrown hairs. Visit www.tendskin.com for more information or call Three Rivers Dermatology to purchase your Tend Skin.

You may need a temporary or even permanent shaving waiver, which may be available through your company, allowing a beard length of 1/8 to 1/4″ inch. Rarely, temporary complete cessation of shaving for a period of time or the administration of oral antibiotic therapy may be indicated. Most people can continue to shave and meet military appearance standards by experimenting with the different shaving methods until a suitable combination is found. A similar condition may occur at the nape of the neck.

Laser hair removal can alleviate the problem permanently. Unfortunately, this treatment may not be covered by most insurance plans.