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Home » Topics A–Z » Folliculitis barbae and pseudofolliculitis barbae
Author: Dr Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand, 1998. Latest update by Dr Jannet Gomez, Postgraduate Student in Clinical Dermatology, Queen Mary University London, United Kingdom, July 2016.
Folliculitis barbae is a type of folliculitis affecting the beard area due to infection with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. It occurs in men who shave and in men that do not shave. Deep-seated folliculitis barbae is called sycosis barbae and leads to scarring and areas of permanent hair loss.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a foreign-body inflammatory reaction surrounding ingrown facial hairs, which results from shaving. It can also occur on any body site where hair is shaved or plucked, including axilla, pubic area, and legs. It is also known as shaving rash or razor bumps.
Folliculitis barbae and pseudofolliculitis barbae can co-exist.
Prevalence of folliculitis barbae and pseudofolliculitis barbae is higher among males of African ancestry than among Caucasian men. Both disorders can also affect women of all races. They are associated with improper shaving practices and are more common when a blade razor is used rather than an electric shaver.
Recent research has confirmed a genetic predisposition to pseudofolliculitis in the African population. A single nucleotide substitution in the hair follicle companion layer-specific keratin (K6hf) is shown to increase the chance of pseudofolliculitis barbae.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae is due to shaving, particularly close shaving—because the cut hair may retract beneath the skin surface. It can also occur in skin folds and scars. It occurs mainly in people with curly hair because the curl of the hair means that the sharp pointed end of a recently shaved hair comes out from the skin and re-enters the skin close by causing a foreign body inflammatory reaction.
The injured follicles are highly susceptible to become infected, causing folliculitis barbae.
What are the features of pseudofolliculitis and folliculitis barbae?
After shaving, patients may experience an acne-like eruption on the area that has been shaved, usually the face and neck of men.
Folliculitis barbae and pseudofolliculitis are aggravated by co-existent eczema/dermatitis.
Complications of folliculitis and pseudofolliculitis barbae include:
How are pseudofolliculitis barbae and folliculitis barbae diagnosed?
Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a clinical diagnosis. Magnification, eg dermatoscopy, may be necessary to see the ingrown hairs. Folliculitis barbae is diagnosed by the presence of painful pustules.
Swabs may be taken for bacterial culture but are rarely necessary.
What is the treatment?
Treatment for pseudofolliculitis barbae depends on the severity of the condition. If possible, let the beard grow for 30 days to eliminate ingrown hairs. When ready to shave again, take the following precautions:
As folliculitis barbae and sycosis barbae are due to bacterial infection, they are treated with topical or oral anti-staphylococcal antibiotics.
How is pseudofolliculitis barbae prevented?
To prevent recurrence, follow a proper shaving regimen long term and consider hair removal. Methods may include:
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