Treatment and Current Policies on Pseudofolliculitis Barbae in the US Military

Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), or ingrown hairs, is a common skin condition of the face and neck caused by shaving in predisposed individuals who have naturally curly hair. It uniquely affects a disproportionate number of US service members with African ancestry who must abide by strict uniform grooming standards across the entire military. The main rationale behind this policy is that a beard can prevent a proper seal when using breathing protection devices such as gas masks or N95 respirators. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and ever-looming overseas conflicts, dermatologists who treat service members should be aware of the separate yet related guidelines to treat PFB that each military branch follows. Herein, we review the treatments and current policies on PFB in the US Military.