From the Guidelines
Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is primarily associated with risk factors such as tightly curled hair, close shaving methods, frequent shaving, dry shaving, and genetic predisposition, which can lead to increased morbidity and negatively impact quality of life.
Key Risk Factors
- Tightly curled hair: Individuals of African, Hispanic, and Middle Eastern descent are disproportionately affected due to the curvature of the hair shaft, which can grow back into the skin after shaving, causing inflammation 1.
- Close shaving methods: Multi-blade razors increase risk by creating sharp-tipped hairs that can penetrate the skin, as noted in general dermatological principles, although not directly addressed in 1 or 1.
- Frequent shaving: Daily or multiple times weekly shaving exacerbates the condition by not allowing sufficient healing time between shaves, a concept relevant to skin health and irritation, as touched upon in 1 regarding skin care for patients on EGFR-TKIs.
- Dry shaving: Lack of proper lubrication causes additional skin irritation, worsening PFB, a consideration in managing skin health, as implied by the importance of moisturizing in 1.
- Genetic factors: Naturally more reactive skin can increase inflammation in response to hair penetration, suggesting a role for individual susceptibility, not directly discussed in the provided references but relevant to dermatological conditions.
- Previous skin conditions: Eczema or dermatitis can increase susceptibility by compromising the skin barrier, a principle applicable to various dermatological conditions, including PFB, although not explicitly mentioned in 1 or 1.
Prevention Strategies
Understanding these risk factors guides prevention strategies, which typically involve modifying shaving techniques, such as using single-blade razors, shaving in the direction of hair growth, and avoiding close shaving, or considering alternative hair removal methods like depilatory creams or electrolysis, as part of a comprehensive approach to managing PFB and reducing its impact on quality of life.
From the Research
Risk Factors for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae
The following are some of the key risk factors for pseudofolliculitis barbae:
- Curly hair: Individuals with curly hair are more prone to developing pseudofolliculitis barbae, as the curved hair shaft can easily penetrate the skin and cause inflammation 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Shaving: Shaving, especially close shaving, can increase the risk of developing pseudofolliculitis barbae, as it can cause the hair to become ingrown and penetrate the skin 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Darker skin types: Individuals with darker skin types are more likely to experience significant hyperpigmentation and scarring due to pseudofolliculitis barbae 2
- Hair removal methods: Certain hair removal methods, such as waxing or shaving, can increase the risk of developing pseudofolliculitis barbae, especially in individuals with curly hair 4, 5, 6
Demographic Risk Factors
Some demographic groups are more prone to developing pseudofolliculitis barbae, including:
- African-American men: This group is particularly affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae, due to the prevalence of curly hair and the cultural practice of shaving 3, 4, 5
- Men who shave their beards: Men who shave their beards are more likely to develop pseudofolliculitis barbae, especially if they have curly hair 4
- Women who wax or shave their axillary and pubic skin: Women who remove hair from these areas are also at risk of developing pseudofolliculitis barbae, especially if they have curly hair 4