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Vol. 101. Issue 9.
Pages 749-757 (November 2010)
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Vol. 101. Issue 9.
Pages 749-757 (November 2010)
Practical dermatology
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Pseudofolliculitis Barbae
Pseudofoliculitis de la barba
Visits
7357
M. Ribera
Corresponding author
miquel.ribera@uab.cat

Corresponding author.
, N. Fernández-Chico, M. Casals
Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitari de Sabadell, Corporació Parc Taulí, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain
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Abstract

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a chronic, irritating, and potentially disfiguring condition that develops as a result of attempts to eliminate hair from the beard area, usually by shaving. It is difficult to determine the incidence of the disorder, but some studies report that it affects up to 1 of every 5 caucasian individuals and that it is much more common in black persons. Clinically it is characterized by the appearance of inflammatory papules and pustules. Once pseudofolliculitis has become established, treatment consists of avoiding shaving and the use of medical treatment similar to that used in acne. However, the long-term result is much more dependent on prevention through a correct shaving technique. In severe cases or when a definitive solution is sought, the treatment of choice is photodepilation.

Keywords:
Pseudofolliculitis
Photodepilation
Eflornitine
Benzoyl peroxide
Acne treatment
Resumen

La pseudofoliculitis de la barba es un proceso crónico, molesto y potencialmente desfigurante que aparece como consecuencia de los procedimientos destinados a la eliminación del pelo de la zona, fundamentalmente el afeitado. Es difícil establecer la incidencia de este trastorno, pero algunos estudios apuntan a que afecta a casi uno de cada cinco individuos de raza blanca siendo mucho más frecuente en la raza negra. Desde el punto de vista clínico se caracteriza por la aparición de pápulas inflamatorias y pústulas. Cuando la pseudofoliculitis ya se ha instaurado el tratamiento consiste en la abstención del afeitado y tratamiento médico similar al que se utiliza para el acné. Sin embargo, para obtener resultados duraderos es mucho más importante la prevención mediante una técnica de afeitado correcta. A pesar de todo ello, en los casos graves o cuando se desea una solución definitiva, la fotodepilación constituye el tratamiento de elección.

Palabras clave:
Pseudofoliculitis
Fotodepilación
Eflornitina
Peróxido de benzoílo
Tratamiento acné
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