Pseudofolliculitis barbae

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a type of folliculitis. It also known as follicultis barbae, shaving rash or razor bumps. It is a foreign-body inflammatory reaction surrounding ingrown facial hair, which results from shaving. The problem occurs more commonly in people who have curly hair.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae

Treatment

• Initially, let the beard grow for 30 days to eliminate ingrown hairs.
• Use a polyester skin-cleansing pad twice a day. Or, use a moisturising shaving foam.
• When you resume shaving, use a single blade razor. Double blade razors cut the hairs too short allowing them to grow in.
• Alternatively, use electric hair clippers or a razor with an attachment that leaves the cut hairs long. Aim to have a 5 o'clock shadow immediately after shaving.
• Shave in the direction of the follicle, not against it. Do not stretch the skin.
• At night, apply a lotion containing glycolic acid to the affected areas. This exfoliates the surface skin cells and reduces the likelihood of new inflamed spots.
• If you have severe pseudofolliculitis barbae, ask your doctor whether a prolonged course of tetracycline or one of its derivatives would be suitable for you.
• Consider laser hair removal. In some cases, this is much more effective than any other measure.
• If the above measures fail, accept that you have to grow a beard! In certain occupations where beardedness is not approved of, a medical certificate may help.