Background:Pseudofolliculitis of the beard area is a very common dermatological problem in our geographical region. This could be partly because of the racial predilection as a large percentage of the population has curly hair and also may be due to local cultural customs, unlike the west do not encourage daily shaving of facial hair.Objectives:We aimed to mainly study the dermoscopic features of cases presenting with pseudofolliculitis. Secondary objectives included evaluating clinical patterns and possible etiological factors.Methods:Twenty-four consecutive male patients presenting to a University Health Center with a clinical diagnosis of pseudofolliculitis involving beard area were included in the study. Patient history with regards to shaving habits, patient hair type, morphological patterns of the skin lesions, and dermoscopic findings were recorded.Results:Majority of the patients had “curly” hair. Most of the patients had a usual shaving frequency of 2 or less per week. All the patients who were using razors mentioned that they tended to stretch the skin while shaving. The most common dermoscopic findings included - “Handle bar” sign showing curved hair attached to the skin on both ends, white areas indicate fibrosis and scaling, underlying linear bluish pigmentation (indicating the buried hair shaft), and linear vessels with occasional areas of hemorrhage.Conclusion:Dermoscopy can be a useful adjunct for diagnosis and patient counseling in pseudofolliculitis. Stretching the skin while using razors and growing the facial hair to a point where it has the length to curve might be important risk factors in the development of pseudofolliculitis.Limitations:The lack of histopathological correlation is the main limitation in our study.

Introduction The demand for dermatologists is increasing due to the rising prevalence of skin diseases and the growing importance of dermatological care. However, there is limited research investigating the factors that influence medical students' interest in pursuing dermatology as a career option in Saudi Arabia, specifically in the Eastern Province. Methods This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the impact of dermatology rotation experience on the interest and perception of medical students and interns in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The participants consisted of medical students and interns located specifically in the Eastern Province. Data were collected through an online self-administered questionnaire that captured socio-demographic characteristics and evaluated the impact of dermatology rotation experience using a 3-point Likert scale. Convenient non-probability sampling was employed by sharing the questionnaire link on popular social media platforms. Results A total of 697 medical students from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia participated in this study, with an almost equal distribution between genders. A substantial proportion of participants expressed a strong preference for dermatology as their future career. While approximately 60% had completed a dermatology rotation, more than half found the process tiring. However, most participants agreed that dermatology offers flexible working hours, a better lifestyle, superior career options, and higher earnings compared to other healthcare professions. The study also revealed that factors such as age, marital status, academic level, GPA (grade point average), and income influenced the impact of the dermatology rotation. Conclusion This study sheds light on the factors influencing medical students' interest in dermatology and their perceptions of dermatology rotations. The findings emphasize the importance of diversity, early exposure, educational interventions, and supportive environments in promoting dermatology as a career choice. Overcoming barriers, enhancing transparency in assessment systems, and improving educational experiences can further foster interest in dermatology among medical students and address the growing demand for dermatological care.