Multiple curved whiskers diggin into the skin in a Black man.
Multiple curved whiskers diggin into the skin in a Black man.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is an inflammatory, acneiform and scarring process common in the beard area of darker-skinned men. It seems to be caused by short and recently shaved whiskers that curve back into the skin, causing a foreign body response.
The classic patient is a young black man who gets papules and pustules in the beard area. Close inspection shows a curled whisker associated with each lesion. Over time, scarred tracks develop with each whisker, making shaving even more difficult. Acne keloidalis nuchae is often associated.
A patient handout is available.
This patient was unusually Caucasian
This woman with hirsutism constantly plucked ingrown hairs, inducing more ingrown hairs with scarring and a picture similar to PFB.
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