Pseudofolliculitis Barbae: Current Treatment Options

The document discusses Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects men of African and Asian descent, characterized by papules, pustules, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, often in the beard area. The condition is caused by shaving or plucking, which leads to the penetration of the skin by sharp hair tips, particularly due to the curved shape of the hair follicle. This penetration triggers an inflammatory reaction, resulting in itching, the formation of papules and pustules, and potentially keloids, which can cause extensive scarring. Diagnosis of PFB is based on clinical observation, and the condition can be alleviated by ceasing shaving or removing the affected hair follicles. The document also notes that individuals with a specific single nucleotide substitution in the K6hf gene are six times more likely to develop PFB.