In medicine, we are trained to be colorblind and treat all patients equally, to the best of our ability. The irony is that in dermatology we have to take skin color into account, because the color of the skin affects the presentation of skin conditions. This is important to consider in order to make an accurate diagnosis and weigh the best treatment options.
Appearance of skin conditions may vary based on skin color
Skin conditions may look different on darker skin than on lighter skin. For example, many rashes, including allergic reactions to medication, appear pink or red on lighter skin. On a person with darker skin, an allergic rash might look purple. This difference can be very important for correctly identifying certain rare rashes that may be life-threatening.
Skin disorders that alter pigment, or color, have a more pronounced effect on patients with darker skin. Vitiligo, for instance, is the loss of pigment-forming cells that results in white patches on the skin. Though people with lighter skin can have vitiligo, the contrast between unaffected and affected skin is more noticeable on people with darker skin. Not all light-colored spots are a sign of vitiligo. For example, other skin conditions, such as eczema, also present as light-colored patches on darker skin.
People with darker skin are more likely to experience darkening of the skin in areas of inflammation. Psoriasis and acne are common inflammatory disorders of the skin that can end up “spilling” pigment into the skin. This condition is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). PIH often takes a long time to clear, so prevention, via treating the underlying inflammatory process and protecting inflamed areas from sun exposure, is key.
Finally, although uncommon, people with darker skin can develop skin cancers such as melanoma. In those with darker skin, melanoma typically appears on the hands and feet. Those with darker skin should look for any unexplained growth, a lesion that does not heal, or enlarging area of brown/black pigment on the hands and feet, and bring them to their doctor’s attention. …to finish the article, Read more here.
By Jennifer Lin, MD, Harvard Health Blog
