management involves avoiding a close shave, advising the patient to shave in the direction of the hair growth, growing a beard, use of chemical depilatories (1) - however often these treatment options achieve only short-lived improvement in the condition (2)
topical retinoic acid used alone, or in combination with a mild topical steroid, can sometimes be of benefit
physical modalities such as electrolysis have also been used in the treatment
but this technique can cause pigmentation abnormalities, scarring, and residual keratin abscesses from fragmentary destruction of the hair follicle (2)
only definitive cure for this condition is permanent removal of the hair follicle
laser hair removal with a variety of laser systems [diode (800-810 nm), pulsed Alexandrite (755 nm), Neodymium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG (1064 nm), and pulsed non coherent light source have been used (3)
Reference:
Practitioner (1998), 242, 292-6.
Halder RM. Pseudofolliculitis barbae and related disorders. Dermatol Clin. 1988;6:407-12.
Perry PK, Cook-Bolden FE, Rahman Z, Jones E, Taylor SC. Defining pseudofolliculitis barbae in 2001: A review of the literature and current trends. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2002;46:S113-9
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