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| Definition: |
A common disorder characterized by inflammation of the hair follicle.
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| Alternative Names: |
Pseudofolliculitis barbae; Tinea barbae; Barber's itch
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
Folliculitis may occur anywhere on the skin, as a result of injury or damage to the hair follicle caused by friction from clothing, by blockage of the follicle, or by such things as shaving. The usual cause is the bacteria Staphylococcus (staph).
Barber's itch is a staph infection of the hair follicles in the bearded area of the face, usually the upper lip. Shaving aggravates the condition. Tinea barbae is similar to barber's itch, but the infection is caused by a fungus.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a disorder occurring primarily in Black men. If curly beard hairs are cut too short, they may curve back into the skin and cause inflammation. |
| Signs and tests: |
| A diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin. The skin infection is shallow and superficial. A culture of the lesion may show the causative bacteria or fungus. |
| Treatment: |
Self-care involves avoiding further damage to the hair follicles and prevention of infection. Minimize friction from clothing. Avoid shaving the area if possible. If shaving is necessary, use a clean new razor blade or an electric razor each time. Keep the area clean.
Avoid reinfection from contaminated clothing, washcloths, etc. Hot moist compresses may promote drainage of extensive folliculitis. Topical (Bactroban) and/or oral antibiotics (e.g., dicloxacillin) or antifungal medications may be needed to control the infection. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| Folliculitis usually responds well to treatment, but may recur. |
| Complications: |
- the recurrence of folliculitis
- the spread of infection to other body areas
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| Calling your health care provider: |
| Apply home treatment and call your health care provider if symptoms recur frequently, if they persist longer than 2 or 3 days, or if the infection spreads. |
| Prevention: |
| Avoid damage to the hair follicles and infection. (See Treatment) |
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Review Date: 10/28/2001
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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