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Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is irritation of the skin due to beard hairs that penetrate the skin before leaving the hair follicle or that leave the follicle and curve back into the skin, causing a foreign-body reaction.
PFB predominantly affects black men. It is most noticeable around the beard and neck. It causes small papules and pustules that can be confused with bacterial folliculitis.
Diagnosis is by physical examination.
Treatment
Acute PFB can be treated with warm compresses and manual removal of ingrown hairs with a needle or tweezers. Topical hydrocortisone 1% or topical antibiotics can be used for mild inflammation. Oral tetracycline (250 to 500 mg qid) or oral erythromycin (250 to 500 mg qid, 333 mg tid, 500 mg bid) can be used for moderate to severe inflammation. Tretinoin (retinoic acid) liquid or cream or benzoyl peroxide cream may also be effective in mild or moderate cases but may irritate the skin. Topical eflornithine hydrochloride cream may help by slowing hair growth. Hairs should be allowed to grow out; grown hairs can then be cut to about 0.5 cm length. Depilatories are an alternative but may irritate the skin. Hair follicles can be permanently removed by electrolysis or laser treatment.
Last full review/revision August 2008 by Wendy S. Levinbook, MD
Content last modified August 2008
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