喵咪社区

When it comes to ethnic skin, there are unique issues to consider.

As anyone with combination skin can tell you, not all skin is the same. For people with ethnic skin 鈥� which typically includes people of African, African American, Asian, Caribbean, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and multiracial descent 鈥� there are certain considerations when it comes to skin conditions.

鈥淪ome skin conditions can occur exclusively in people with ethnic skin,鈥� says Nada Elbuluk, MD, a dermatologist with 喵咪社区. 鈥淭here are also skin conditions that can occur in anyone but are more common in darker skin populations. And then, there are some conditions that can occur in everybody, but they look different in darker skin and may need to be treated differently.鈥�

Despite these differences, only a small number of dermatologists specialize in skin of color, but that鈥檚 beginning to change. Dr. Elbuluk credits an increase in research on ethnic skin and global dedicated to skin of color with helping dermatologists become better equipped to treat ethnic skin.

鈥淏y seeing a dermatologist who specializes in ethnic skin, you can get to the root of your condition and start getting answers,鈥� she says. And that can make all the difference.

Here鈥檚 how four skin conditions may affect skin of color.

1. Discolorations from acne and eczema

While acne and eczema are common skin conditions, a secondary issue that may arise for people of color is pigmentation changes, which may be more troubling than the original condition.

According to Dr. Elbuluk, one of the most common reasons people of color go to a dermatologist is for skin discoloration, which can be either a darkening or lightening.

鈥淪kin discoloration can occur after a dermatologic condition clears up,鈥� she explains. 鈥淵ou could have acne, and the acne goes away, but it leaves you with dark spots. Or you could have eczema that goes away and, again, leaves you with light or dark spots.鈥�

There are many different types of treatment, depending on the condition and your skin type, but prevention goes a long way. Because dark spots last longer when exposed to sunlight, affected individuals should be vigilant about wearing sunscreen.

2. Melasma

Individuals of color, particularly women, are at for developing melasma, which results in dark patches, usually on the face. 鈥淚t鈥檚 often related to pregnancy and hormone exposure,鈥� Dr. Elbuluk says.

Sometimes called the 鈥渕ask of pregnancy,鈥� melasma may be caused by a hormonal change, but exposure to ultraviolet and visible light from the sun is also a cause. The light stimulates pigment-producing cells.

Melasma may resolve in a few weeks or it may be persistent and take years to go away, which is why it鈥檚 especially important to consult a dermatologist.

3. Keloid scarring

are known for their dense, raised appearance. They can vary significantly in size and always grow beyond the size of the original wound. They tend to occur more commonly in skin of color, particularly in people of African descent.

The first step in treatment is to limit the future development of keloid scars by attending to any underlying skin condition, such as acne. “Treatment of keloids can be challenging, but there are several options that can help reduce their size and symptoms,” Dr. Elbuluk says. Consulting a board-certified dermatologist is essential.

4. Skin cancer

Some people may think that skin of color is less susceptible to skin cancer, since melanin provides against damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun. That鈥檚 somewhat true 鈥� people with darker skin do have a lower risk of developing melanoma than people with lighter skin 鈥� but isn鈥檛 typically the issue. According to the Skin of Color Society, almost three-quarters of the melanomas in people of color are on parts of the body that are not exposed to the sun, like the soles of their feet, palms of their hands or under their nails. Risk factors can include radiation therapy, albinism and preexisting pigmented lesions, among others.

If caught early, the cure rate for melanoma is quite high. Examine your skin surfaces regularly, and bring any concerns to your dermatologist.

When to see a doctor

鈥淚f you鈥檙e an individual of color dealing with a skin, hair or nail issue that is not improving, it鈥檚 important that you see a board-certified dermatologist, and if possible, one who specializes in ethnic skin,鈥� Dr. Elbuluk says. 鈥淭he dermatologist can properly evaluate, diagnose and treat the condition.鈥�

Dr. Elbuluk notes that more and more board-certified dermatologists are specializing in skin of color. They have expert training and understand your skin type, skin conditions, how to evaluate them properly and the treatment options that exist.

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