Common Skin Problems in People of Color

Skin is the human physique’s largest organ. In reality, it accounts for about 15% of an individual’s physique weight. Not solely does it cowl your total physique, handle your temperature, and provide help to detect cold and warm, nevertheless it’s additionally one of many first strains of protection in opposition to dangerous ultraviolet radiation, an infection, and illness. It’s a protecting barrier that retains you wholesome.

That’s why caring for it isn’t nearly seems. Like another organ, pores and skin can develop issues. Most pores and skin circumstances can have an effect on any particular person, no matter their pores and skin coloration or ethnicity. But sure pores and skin circumstances usually tend to occur or present up in another way in individuals of coloration. This is usually attributable to genetics and in some circumstances, particular cultural practices and routines. “People of color” historically contains a variety of individuals, together with people with African, Asian, Native American, Middle Eastern, and Hispanic backgrounds.

Valerie Harvey, MD, MPH, is the president of the Skin of Color Society. Here, she shares her ideas and insights on frequent pores and skin circumstances in darker-skinned populations and tips on how to deal with these circumstances.

What are the most typical pores and skin circumstances that have an effect on individuals of coloration?

Studies have proven that there are quite a few pores and skin circumstances which are extra frequent or current uniquely in people with pores and skin of coloration. They embody hair problems equivalent to traction alopecia and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, and pigmentary problems (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma). The incidence of keloids varies by race and ethnicity and has been proven to be greater in Hispanic and Black individuals and lowest in non-Hispanic white individuals.

Can you describe post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is discoloration that’s left on the pores and skin after an underlying pores and skin rash or bump that has healed. Common circumstances equivalent to eczema, zits, and psoriasis can all lead to PIH.

While PIH can occur in all pores and skin tones, it’s significantly problematic and extra obvious in people with darker pores and skin. The distribution of the darkish spots follows that of the underlying pores and skin situation. The shades of the hyperpigmentation can differ from mild brown to darkish brown to blue and grey.

What are the very best remedies for PIH?

PIH is troublesome to deal with. Current therapy choices embody topical preparations, [Editor’s note: “Topical” means that these treatments go on the skin.] which can be found in over-the-counter or prescription energy, chemical peels, and laser remedies.

What causes PIH?

While there isn’t a recognized trigger for PIH or why sure individuals are extra susceptible to its growth, one can take measures to keep away from prolonging the situation. Avoiding the solar is one measure, as it may well irritate signs and delay the therapeutic course of.

What will be performed to stop PIH?

Treatment of the underlying situation, sunscreen, and solar safety are vital preventive measures. Studies present that daylight can worsen sure types of hyperpigmentation. Therefore, carrying a broad-spectrum sunscreen is an important a part of therapy. Sunscreen must be “broad spectrum” and have a solar protecting issue (SPF) of a minimum of 30. [Editor’s note: Sun protection also includes protective clothing, hats, staying in the shade, and staying inside during peak sun exposure hours.]

Can you describe the pores and skin situation that disproportionately causes hair loss in individuals of coloration? What hair/scalp circumstances are individuals of coloration extra susceptible to expertise?

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is the most typical type of scarring alopecia that happens in Black girls. It is estimated to happen in as many as 16% of African American girls.

Affected people can expertise scalp tenderness, itching, and ache. It includes the crown/vertex of the scalp and progresses centrifugally over time. The situation culminates in scarring and everlasting hair loss, which could be very distressing for girls who are suffering from this situation.

Treatment choices embody topical and intralesional corticosteroids, oral antibiotics, [medications that work on the immune system], and camouflage methods.

Are there any preventative measures girls can take to keep away from CCCA?

Unfortunately, there aren’t any definitive suggestions on tips on how to forestall the prevalence of CCCA, as its etiology [cause] is unknown.

What about traction alopecia?

In addition to CCCA, traction alopecia is one other kind of hair loss skilled by girls of coloration. Traction alopecia is characterised by hair loss alongside the frontal hairline. It is attributable to repeated trauma attributable to varied hair care practices that happen over a time frame. If not handled in a well timed method, or if hair care practices should not modified, everlasting hair loss and scarring ensues. Treatment contains the usage of protecting hairstyles, [medications], and surgical hair restoration.

Can you share the most typical misconceptions about pores and skin circumstances which will have an effect on individuals of coloration?

One frequent false impression is that people with pores and skin of coloration are proof against growing pores and skin most cancers. While the chance of pores and skin most cancers is low amongst racial and ethnic minority teams, they’re extra seemingly than their white counterparts to develop pores and skin cancers at extra superior phases.

What ought to all individuals of coloration know on the subject of treating and caring for his or her pores and skin?

Educational consciousness concerning the significance of pores and skin well being is crucial. It is vital to hunt the well timed care of a board-certified dermatologist when routine at-home measures fail to resolve signs. The well timed receipt of care is essential, since delays in prognosis may end up in elevated morbidity [worsened disease] and within the case of melanoma, elevated mortality [higher death rate].

What will be performed to fight well being disparities in dermatology?

One of a very powerful points that may should be rectified with the intention to cut back disparities in dermatology is said to workforce range. Unfortunately, Hispanic and Black dermatologists comprise a disproportionately low proportion of the dermatology workforce and likewise are poorly represented in academia. Workforce range is significant for innovation, growth of public belief, and elevated entry to dermatologic care.