Comment
Improvement With Novel Razor Technology—For the first time, frequent use of a novel razor technology designed specifically for men with PFB was found to significantly improve skin appearance, shave satisfaction, and QOL after 12 weeks vs baseline in participants clinically diagnosed with PFB. In men with shave-related skin irritation and razor bumps who typically wet-shaved with a razor at least 3 times a week, use of the test razor with their regular shaving preparation product 5 or more times per week for 12 weeks was associated with significant improvements from baseline in investigator lesion count, IGSA, PGSA, and Participant Quality of Life Questionnaire measurements.
Study strengths included the quantification of the change in the number of lesions and the degree of severity by a trained investigator in a prospective clinical study along with an assessment of the impact on participant QOL. A lack of a control arm could be considered a limitation of the study; however, study end points were evaluated compared with baseline, with each participant serving as their own control. Spontaneous resolution of the condition with their standard routine was considered highly unlikely in these participants; therefore, in the absence of any other changes, improvements were attributed to regular use of the test product over the course of the study. The results presented here provide strong support for the effectiveness of the new razor technology in improving the appearance of men with razor bumps and shaving irritation.
Hair Removal Tools for the Management of PFB—Although various tools and techniques have been proposed in the past for men with PFB, the current test razor technology provided unique benefits, including improvements in appearance and severity of the condition as well as a positive impact on QOL. In 1979, Conte and Lawrence9 evaluated the effect of using an electric hair clipper and twice-daily use of a skin-cleansing pad on the occurrence of PFB. Participants (n=96) allowed their beards to grow out for 1 month, after which they started shaving with an electric clipper with a triple O head. The authors reported a favorable response in 95% (91/96) of cases. However, the electric clippers left 1 mm of beard at the skin level,9 which may not be acceptable for those who prefer a clean-shaven appearance.6
A prospective survey of 22 men of African descent with PFB found use of a safety razor was preferred over an electric razor.10 The single-arm study evaluated use of a foil-guarded shaver (single-razor blade) in the management of PFB based on investigator lesion counts and a participant questionnaire. Participants were asked to shave at least every other day and use a specially designed preshave brush. A mean reduction in lesion counts was observed at 2 weeks (29.6%), 4 weeks (38.1%), and 6 weeks (47.1%); statistical significance was not reported. At 6 weeks, 77.3% (17/22) of participants judged the foil-guarded shaver to be superior to other shaving devices in controlling their razor bumps, and 90.9% (20/22) indicated they would recommend the shaver to others with PFB. The authors hypothesized that the guard buffered the skin from the blade, which might otherwise facilitate the penetration of ingrowing hairs and cause trauma to existing lesions.
The mean reduction in lesion count from baseline observed at week 4 was greater in the study with the foil-guarded shaver and preshave brush (38% reduction)10 than in our study (19% reduction in papule count). Different methodologies, use of a preshave brush in the earlier study, and a difference in lesion severity at baseline may have contributed to this difference. The study with the foil-guarded shaver concluded after 6 weeks, and there was a 47.1% reduction in lesion counts vs baseline.10 In contrast, the current study continued for 12 weeks, and a 59.6% reduction in lesion counts was reported. Participants from both studies reported an improved shaving experience compared with their usual practice,10 though only the current study explored the positive impact of the new razor technology on participant QOL.