From the Research
Causes of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae
- Pseudofolliculitis barbae is caused by an ingrown hair arising from the curved hair and follicle, which is common in individuals with curly hair, particularly black men and women 1, 2, 3.
- The curved shape of the hair follicle allows for the downward curvature and penetration of the growing hair tips into the skin, leading to a foreign body reaction and the development of papules, pustules, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation 3.
- Improper shaving techniques can cause ingrown hairs through both transfollicular and extrafollicular mechanisms, contributing to the development of pseudofolliculitis barbae 1, 2.
Role of Shaving in Pseudofolliculitis Barbae
- Shaving or plucking the hair can precipitate the onset of an inflammatory reaction, leading to the development of pseudofolliculitis barbae 2, 3.
- Constant shaving can exacerbate the condition, making it a chronic inflammatory disorder of follicular and perifollicular skin 3.
- Cessation of shaving or removal of the involved hair follicles can usually terminate the development of pseudofolliculitis barbae 2, 3.
Other Factors Contributing to Pseudofolliculitis Barbae
- Genetic factors, such as a single nucleotide substitution in the hair follicle companion layer specific keratin gene (K6hf), can increase the risk of developing pseudofolliculitis barbae 3.
- The condition can be more prevalent in individuals of African and Asian descent, particularly those with curly hair 3.