 Chemical depilatories, topical corticosteroids, topical retinoids, topical antibiotics, and eflornithine hydrochloride cream are helpful in the management of PFB. Growing a beard is usually curative; however in the military a clean shaven face is required. Since 1984, the US Navy has not allowed the wearing of beards, noting that facial hair may interfere with the proper fitting of protective gear used against biochemical warfare agents, or in the case of oxygen mask or breathing apparatus. In refractory cases, permanent laser hair removal with the long-pulse Nd:YAG has been shown to decrease the severity of PFB in dark skinned individuals. This wavelength is safe, effective, and due to its increased penetration, allows for increased ratio of hair bulb to epidermal heating in patients with Fitzpatrick skin type IV through VI. 