Defining Pseudofolliculitis Barbae in 2001: A Review of the Literature and Current Trends
February 2002
in “
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
”
pseudofolliculitis barbae PFB chronic inflammatory condition tightly curled hair shave tweeze hair follicle hyperpigmented papules beard area prevention early intervention treatment options surgical methods Skin of Color Center PFB shaving tweezing hair follicle dark spots beard area prevention early intervention treatment options surgical methods
TLDR Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a chronic skin condition affecting mainly African American and Hispanic individuals, caused by shaving tightly curled hair, and managed by prevention and treatment but not curable.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) was a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting African American and Hispanic individuals with tightly curled hair who frequently shaved or tweezed. The condition resulted from a multifactorial etiology involving the hair follicle shape, hair cuticle, and hair growth direction, leading to painful, pruritic, and sometimes hyperpigmented papules in the beard area. Diagnosis was clinical, and while many treatment options existed, none were completely curative. Prevention and early intervention were key, and the review discussed the history, incidence, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, dermatopathology, prevention, and treatment of PFB, including surgical options and new data from the Skin of Color Center.
