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The affliction is called pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), but it is known commonly as razor bump scars because the follicles look like red or brown inflamed bumps. The affliction is found mostly in African-American men. In fact, nearly half of all black men suffer from PFB.
It is a condition in which the shaved hairs of the face become "ingrown and create razor bumps," said Dee Anna Glaser, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology and principal investigator.
Glaser said that sometimes a severe case can leave a man's face scarred and infected. There is no effective cure other than growing a full beard. But that option is undesirable and impractical for men whose employers require a clean-shaven face, such as many businesses, the military, and police and fire departments. Antibiotics and topical medicines sometimes can improve the symptoms.
The study will focus on a laser already used for hair removal to see if it can treat the razor bumps by damaging the hair follicles. The use of lasers has proved effective in hair removal by damaging the follicle. But not all lasers can destroy permanently the hair. Researchers are hopeful that the SoftLight Laser, which has FDA clearance, will be an effective solution to this affliction.
PFB is caused by a chain reaction of events. First, hairs grow out of the follicle and then, due to their curved nature and sharp edge, penetrate the skin. PFB results from pulling the skin taut to achieve a close shave. After the tension is taken off the skin, the newly cut hair retracts back into the skin.
"These events lead to a foreign body reaction," Glaser said. "This results in the formation of inflammatory papules or pustules -- what everyone calls Ôrazor bumps.'" Volunteers for the study must be at least 18 years old and have PFB. The study lasts for 12 weeks, with an initial treatment, evaluation and second treatment at week four, and follow-up visits at weeks eight and 12. To learn more about the study, call 268-5880.
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