sycosis vulgaris sycosis vulgaris sycosis vulgaris is a cutaneous condition characterized by a chronic infection of the chin or bearded region.: 252 the irritation is caused by a deep infection of hair follicles, often by species of staphylococcus or propionibacterium bacteria. asymptomatic or painful and tender erythematous papules and pustules may form around coarse hair in the beard (sycosis barbae) or the back of the neck (sycosis nuchae). sycosis vulgarisother namesbarber's itch, sycosis barbaesycosis vulgarisspecialtydermatology