Pseudofolliculitis Barbae: A Review of Current Treatment Options

J Drugs Dermatol. 2019 Mar 1;18(3):246-250.

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to discuss the disease process and wide variety of treatment options for psuedofolliculitis barbae (PFB), or razor bumps. PFB is caused by hair follicles penetrating the skin and causing an inflammatory response. PFB can occur to anyone who shaves, and is more likely in those with curly hair. PFB can cause significant hyperpigmentation and scarring, more noticeable in darker skin types. PFB can be treated with a variety of topical, systemic, or light/laser therapies. Minimal progress has been made in treating PFB in recent years, partially due to the success of well-established current treatments discussed in this review. The most effective treatments involve a multifaceted approach including behavioral changes in shaving habits as well as the use of topical therapies. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(3):246-250.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Administration, Oral
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Face
  • Habits
  • Hair Diseases / epidemiology
  • Hair Diseases / etiology
  • Hair Diseases / therapy*
  • Hair Follicle / pathology
  • Hair Follicle / radiation effects
  • Hair Removal / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Keratins, Hair-Specific / genetics
  • Keratins, Type II / genetics
  • Low-Level Light Therapy / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Photochemotherapy / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • KRT75 protein, human
  • Keratins, Hair-Specific
  • Keratins, Type II

Supplementary concepts

  • Pseudofolliculitis Barbae