title: Pseudofolliculitis barbae: understanding the condition and the role of facial grooming.
abstract: Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is an inflammatory condition of the beard area, with a high prevalence in men of subequatorial African ancestry and, to a much lesser extent, Indo-Europeans. But it can affect both men and women of all ethnicities. Invariably reported as being associated with shaving, recent evidence suggests a strong genetic component in patients with persistent PFB. There is a lack of robust clinical evidence to support recommendations to avoid or curtail shaving or to shave with a single-blade razor. There is recent clinical evidence that PFB is not exacerbated by daily shaving with a multiblade razor as part of a regimen. Further, there is preliminary evidence that a daily shaving regimen, which includes pre-shave hydration and post-shave moisturization, may be beneficial. To develop evidence-based initial management strategies for PFB, there is a requirement for more randomized blinded clinical trials comparing the use of multi- and single-edge razors, different shaving techniques, shaving frequencies and pre- and post-shaving cosmetic products.
authors.affiliation: 41 Montgomery Drive, Winston Park, Gillitts, KZN 3610, South Africa.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest Baptist Health Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, 27104, USA.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: McMichael
mesh_terms: D044383:Black People; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005145:Face; D006201:Hair Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D044465:White People; D005499:Folliculitis
keywords: Pseudofolliculitis barbae; blade shaving; clinical studies