Air Force Updates Medical Guidance for Evaluating Pseudofolliculitis Barbae
TL/DR –
The Department of Air Force updated its medical guidance to assist healthcare providers in diagnosing Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), a chronic inflammatory skin condition caused by trapped, recently cut, short hairs. The new guidance, effective from March 1, 2025, differentiates between mild, moderate, and severe cases of PFB, and offers additional information on grooming techniques, treatment methods, and profile exemptions. It also emphasizes that permanent and extended duration shaving profiles are generally reserved for severe cases.
FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Update on Department of Air Force’s Medical Guidance
On Jan. 24, 2025, the Department of Air Force updated its medical guidance memorandum, providing additional guidance to healthcare providers for diagnosing Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB). PFB is a chronic skin condition triggered by recently cut, short hairs.
In 2020, the Air Force Medical Service designed a five-year shaving profile for PFB patients. However, the previous guidelines did not clearly differentiate PFB from shaving irritation.
New Profile Guidance Effective from March 1, 2025
From March 1, 2025, the new profile guidance will distinguish between mild, moderate and severe PFB cases. The Air Force Medical Service is providing further information to educate providers and patients about grooming techniques, treatment options, and profile exemptions, ensuring consistency across the Department of Defense.
Permanent and extended duration shaving profiles are reserved for severe cases, while mild-to-moderate cases may require more frequent management and temporary profiles.
All current shaving profiles remain valid until 90 days after the individual’s next periodic health assessment after March 1, 2025. This allows Airmen and Guardians ample time to schedule follow-up appointments with their healthcare providers.
Emphasis on Education and Evaluation
Education about shaving waivers for service members, privileged providers, and senior profiling officers is a key focus of the Air Force Medical Service. The initiative includes:
- Education on mild, moderate, and severe PFB versus shaving irritation
- Additional training for providers issuing profiles
- Unit-level training to boost understanding across the force
- Shaving Guidance Memorandum signed on Jan. 24 to standardize profile evaluations and issuances
Lt. Gen. John J. DeGoes, U.S. Air Force and Space Force surgeon general, highlighted the importance of aligning with Army and Navy standards and educating medical providers on different PFB conditions.
Looking Ahead – Standardization of Shaving Medical Profiles
The Air Force Medical Service is dedicated to ensuring understanding and uniform application of shaving-related medical profiles across the Department of the Air Force. With the guidance memorandum, service members and medical professionals can expect a more standardized and equitable system.
As changes are implemented in the Air Force Medical Command era, the force is expected to be stronger and more united.
—
Read More Health & Wellness News ; US News