How to Clear Up pseudofolliculitis barbae
If you already have pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) the first thing you need to do is to stop shaving for four months if any way possible. This will all ingrown hairs to grow out and come to the surface of the skin. After about one month without shaving most of the pustules or razor pumps will have disappeared.
If your job does not allow you to grow a beard, then use an electric razor, single-edge razor, or chemical depilatories such as Nair, Nad’s, and Jolen Mild to name a few. One of the problems with chemical depilatories is a that it has to stay on your skin for a certain period of time leading to contact dermatitis or chemical burns. Also, some Black men have sensitive skin, so make sure you read the label carefully and follow directions.
There are several topical medications that might prove helpful. Two of these products are over-the-counter products so you do not need a prescription for them. Others require a prescription. Many topical products require seven to ten days to show results.
The two over-the-counter products may contain benzoyl peroxide or corticosteroids.
1. Benzoyl Peroxide is an over-the counter product that has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used in conjunction topical corticosteroids or antibiotics. Over the counter products contain lower concentration of benzol peroxide than prescription brand and come in creams, lotions or water-based gels that can be applied to the skin once or twice a day. Some people may be sensitive to benzoyl peroxide and may develop redness, dry skin, or contact dermatitis. Also, benzoyl peroxide may bleach your hair and clothing if it comes into contact with hair or clothes.
2. Corticosteroids are the most frequently used topical cream to manage PFB. Betamethasone 01.05% — 1% or 1% hydrocortisone creams are available over the counter and may be applied to the skin no more than three times. Topical corticosteroids may cause skin discolorations, new acne, redness, and irritation at the site.
The remaining three products require a physician prescription. Physicians frequently prescribe retinoids and topical or oral antibiotics to clear up PFB.
1. Topical Retinoids such as 0.1% Retin-A is effective in treating PFB and in preventing ingrown hairs from embedding in the epidermal layer of the skin because it exfoliates the top layer of the epidermis. Retinoids are applied once a day usually at bedtime. Topical retinoids can cause skin reactions such as dryness, redness, itching, scaliness, skin discoloration, blisters, and stinging sensation.
2. Antibiotics use is typically begun with topical antibiotics like clindamycin or erythromycin. The topical antibiotic is applied twice a day. Local skin irritation such as burning, itching and dryness may occur. If PFB is not responding to topical antibiotic oral antibiotics may be prescribed.
3. A combination of topical depilatory and the topical cream eflornithine hydrochloride (Vaniqua) may be used to treat PFB by decreasing growth of facial hair.
If medicinal treatment is ineffective surgical options are available. Surgical options include a chemical peel and laser therapy. The chemical peels contain high concentrations of glycolic acid or salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin and make the hair shaft straighter. Laser therapy involves the removal of hair follicles. It may take several laser treatments to permanently remove the hair.
Of all the treatments discussed, growing a beard is the easiest and less expensive method. Remember that the author is not recommending any treatment, just giving you options for treatment that you can discuss with your doctor. All medications may have the potential to interact with a medication that you may be taking so talk to your doctor before adding any medications, even over-the-counter medications.
Reference
Norwood, D.A., Michel, D., Eraikhuemen, N.E>, & Carrion, A.J. (2016). Pseudofolliculitis Barbae: Prevention and treatment. U.S. Pharm, 41(10), 37–40.
