Pseudofolliculitis Barbae - Symptoms and Treatment

Pseudofolliculitis pubis is a similar condition occurring after pubic hair is shaved. The problem results when highly curved hairs grow back into the skin causing inflammation and a foreign body reaction. It primarily affects curly haired males who shave. The hairs then curve back into the skin causing pseudofolliculitis barbae. Shaving sharpens the ends of the hairs like a spear. It also known as shaving rash or razor bumps. It is a foreign-body inflammatory reaction surrounding ingrown facial hair, which results from shaving. Pseudofolliculitis barbae is the medical term for razor bumps. The hallmark of this irritation is red or hyperpigmented papules . The main treatment for razor bumps is to not shave the hai. Sometimes pustules can form especially if the papule gets secondarily infected. Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) is the "acne-like" breakout commonly referred to as "razor bumps" or "shaving bumps". Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the beard area resulting from re-entry of the growing hair into the upper layer of the skin.The results - inflammation in the hair follicle. The result is a tender red spot, often with a surface pustule. As naturally curly hairs begin to grow back after shaving, waxing or plucking, they get trapped inside the follicle, resulting in irritation and swelling. Shaving in particular is one of the causes for razor bumps and ingrown hairs because it �sharpens� the free hair end, facilitating its ability to pierce back into the skin resulting in redness and inflammation. Razor burn, razor bumps and ingrown hairs are a common, and extremely irritating, problem for both men and women.

Causes of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

Common Causes of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae :

• Disorder such as Dermatitis is another factor to be considered.
• Use of Plastic dressings or adhesive tape may also cause Pseudofolliculitis barbae..
• Blade shaving is the main cause, as it causes the hair ends to sharpen.
• Some medications or viruses can also cause the disease.
• Exposure to some substances such as coal tar , pitch or creosote may also result in Pseudofolliculitis barbae.

Symptoms of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

Some common Symptoms of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae :

• Itching skin.
• May present as genital lesions.
• Rash.
• Typically occurs on neck axilla, or groin area.
• Pimples or pustules located around a hair follicle.

Treatment of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

Some common Treatment of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae :

• Shave in the direction of the follicle, not against it. Do not stretch the skin.
• Consider laser hair removal . In some cases, this is much more effective than any other measure.
• Use a polyester skin-cleansing pad twice a day. Or, use a moisturising shaving foam.
• If the above measures fail, accept that you have to grow a beard! In certain occupations where beardedness is not approved of, a medical certificate may help.
• At night, apply a lotion containing glycolic acid to the affected areas. This exfoliates the surface skin cells and reduces the likelihood of new inflamed spots.
• Alternatively, use electric hair clippers or a razor with an attachment that leaves the cut hairs long. Aim to have a 5 o'clock shadow immediately after shaving.
• If you have severe pseudofolliculitis barbae, ask your doctor whether a prolonged course of tetracycline or one of its derivatives would be suitable for you.

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