Pseudofolliculitis Barbae By Wendy S Levinbook, MD, Hartford Dermatology Associates Reviewed / Revised Jun 2022 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Diagnosis Treatment Topic Resources Pseudofolliculitis Barbae Pseudofolliculitis barbae is irritation of the skin due to hairs that penetrate the skin before leaving the hair follicle or that leave the follicle and curve back into the skin, causing a foreign-body reaction.