Folliculitis simplex barbae

Alibert, 1825

Chronic folliculitis of the beard, folliculitis barbae, sycosis simplex, sycosis non parasitaria, Alibert-Mentagra disease.

Chronic folliculitis of the beard.

Mostly inflammation caused by Staphylococcus aureus, sometimes by Gram-negative bacteria.

• Red, succulent, follicularly bound, papules, plaques and pustules, which may also confluence over a large area

• Clinic
• Bact. smear

• Mostly upper lip and cheeks

Sometimes scarring with hair loss.

• Disinfect razors. Wet shaves should be discontinued

Topical therapy

• Quaternary ammonium compounds
  • Application 1-2x daily (only for a short time)

• Clindamycin emulsion 2x tgl
  • To avoid resistance, always prescribe together with Triclosan skin wash lotion 1x daily
  • NWN (very common): skin irritation (burning, itching, scaling, dry skin and redness)
  • KI: antibiotic-associated colitis. Lactation

• Clindamycin solution 2x tgl
  • To avoid resistance, always prescribe together with Triclosan skin wash lotion 1x daily
  • NW (very common): skin irritation (burning, itching, scaling, dry skin and redness)
  • KI: antibiotic-associated colitis. Lactation

• Tricolosan skin wash lotion
  • Application: Like liquid soap or shampoo, leave on for 1-2 min
  • KI: Hypersensitivity to ingredients
  • Systemic therapy according to antibiogram

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2. Anliker MD, Itin P. [Herpetic folliculitis barbae. A rare cause of folliculitis]. Hautarzt 2003;54:265-7.
3. Meinhof W, Haneke E. [Morphological variants of folliculitis barbae candidomycetica]. Hautarzt 1978;29:74-6.
4. Diernaes JE, Bygum A. Successful treatment of recalcitrant folliculitis barbae and pseudofolliculitis barbae with photodynamic therapy. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2013;10:651-3.
5. Alexis A, Heath CR, Halder RM. Folliculitis keloidalis nuchae and pseudofolliculitis barbae: are prevention and effective treatment within reach? Dermatol Clin 2014;32:183-91.