Written by Dr. Ringpfeil

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

Treatments: topical medication, laser hair reduction

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a genetically-determined condition that prevents hair from growing out properly after being shaved too close to the skin's surface. It more commonl affects people with thick curly hair.

Eventually, the natural recoil of the hair after shaving leads to inflammation in the hair follicle and may result in scarring. Medical treatment is available to treat inflammation (early bumps). Avoidance of close shaving was the only preventative measure for years, yet laser hair reduction now provides another effective approach.

Lasers that target hair do not only permanently reduce the hair but also assure that residual hair is less coarse. Both the beard area and the hairline above the neck can be treated.