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Pseudofolliculitis cutis: a vexing disorder of hair growth
Author(s) -
Jasterzbski T.J.,
Schwartz R.A.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/bjd.13427
Subject(s) - medicine , dermatology , hair growth , hair shaft , etiology , intense pulsed light , hair loss , body hair , hair follicle , physiology , anatomy
Summary Pseudofolliculitis cutis ( PFC ) is a troublesome and potentially disfiguring cutaneous disorder characterized by a chronic inflammatory response to ingrown hair. Despite a simple precipitating stimulus, ingrown hair, PFC has a relatively complex aetiology that can involve grooming practices, hair type, genetic predisposition and medication history. Curly hair and a single‐nucleotide substitution in the gene encoding keratin 75 may act synergistically to increase the risk for developing this condition. PFC is most common in men of sub‐Saharan African lineage, but can occur in men and women of many different ethnicities, particularly in body areas where hair is coarse, abundant and subject to traumatic removal. Treatment options for PFC can be divided into three main categories: modifying hair removal practices, managing symptoms with medication, and long‐term hair removal with laser therapy. Laser hair removal is safe and effective in most skin types and has become increasingly popular among dermatologists in the treatment of PFC . However, it is imperative that the laser system and parameters are specifically matched to the patient's skin type.