Well, lets break it down. Pseudo means related to, Folliculitis means follicle, and barbae means beard. So... it's related to the follicle in the beard. Pseudo Folliculitis Barbae is the medical term for a condition in which chronic razor bumps and ingrown hairs occur, also known as barber itch.
Although PFB is common on the male face, it can also occur on any other part of the body that is shaved, plucked or waxed. It happens most often in sensitive areas where the hair is thick and curly, such as the genital area and arm pits.
Why Does it Happen?
After a hair has been removed it will grow back. Upon re-growth, curly hair has a tendency to curl under the skin causing ingrown hair. The inflammation that occurs as a result of this is known as PFB. Skin afflicted by PFB is usually red and sometimes can look like an acne outbreak.
Prevention and Treatment
Of course the best way to prevent PFB is not to shave or wax. However, for many people this is not possible. Men are urged to wait until their beard has grown to 1 mm before shaving to prevent the hair from curling under the skin. If the skin becomes very irritated, refraining from shaving until the inflammation clears up is also recommended.
Multiple blade razors should never be used. If the shave is too close, PFB is more likely to occur. Instead a single blade razor or an electric razor should be used. Shaving in the direction of the hair growth rather than against it can also help prevent PFB.
To treat PFB on the face as well as other areas on the skin, a product containing glycolic acid and salicylic acid has been proven effective.
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