Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

Definition

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 most common locations for lesions are the face and neck. It is also known by the initials PFB or the term "razor bumps". It occurs most often in people with very curly, kinky hair. The hallmark of this irritation is red or hyper pigmented papules. The scarring, dimpling or pitted scars, and pigmentation changes may occur as a result of the disease process.

Causes of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

The causes of pseudofolliculitis barbae such as includes:-

• Pseudofolliculitis Barbae is most common on the male face, but it can also happen on other parts of the body where hair is shaved or plucked.
• Shaving is the main culprit in causing of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae. This is caused by a foreign body reaction due to the highly curved hairs that grow back into the skin.
• Pseudofolliculitis barbae may be caused by bacteria Staphylococcus.
• Folliculitis is the main cause of pseudofolliculitis barbae. It results in the blockage of the follicle, or shaving.
• The skin infection followed by pimples is also the main cause of pseudofolliculitis barbae.

Symptoms of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

The symptoms of pseudofolliculitis barbae are as:-

• The swelling and skin inflammation are common during pseudofolliculitis barbae.
• It mostly occur on neck axilla or groin area.
• Skin becomes itchy
• The affected skin area become red.
• The pimples or pustules may be develop around one or more hair follicles.
• Bleeding may occur from the affected area. .

Treatments of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

The Treatments for pseudofolliculitis barbae such as includes:-

• Oral antibiotics, or antifungal medications may be needed to control the infection.
• Certain topical medications such as tretinoin and topical antibiotics, are also very helpfull in the treatments of pseudofolliculitis barbae.
• Do not shave daily and use an electrical shaver, instead of a traditional razor blade.
• Using polyester skin cleansing pad twice a day, is effective in the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae.
• Injectable corticosteroids can be used to soften papules and decrease inflammation.
• Topical retinoids such as adapalene and tretinoin are also useful.
• Benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics such as erythromycin or clindamycin and combinations are very effective.