Pseudofolliculitis of the Beard Workup

Updated: Feb 07, 2019
  • Author: Thomas G Greidanus, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD  more...
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Workup

Laboratory Studies

A clinical diagnosis can usually be made.

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Procedures

A case of sarcoid infiltrating lesions of pseudofolliculitis barbae has been documented. Biopsy may be performed if sarcoidosis is suspected.

See Medical Care and Deterrence/Prevention for a discussion of shaving and hair-release techniques.

Dermoscopy has been used to demonstrate the pathophysiology and improve compliance. [7, 8]

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Histologic Findings

The penetrating hair causes invagination of the epidermis with inflammation and intraepidermal abscesses. With penetration of the dermis, the epidermis grows down to try to ensheathe the hair, and severe inflammation, abscess formation, and a foreign-body giant cell reaction occur at the tip of the hair.

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