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19 August 2024
When you Google common skin conditions like keratosis pilaris (KP), rosacea, eczema and psoriasis, you’re probably flooded with images of these conditions on white or fair skin tones. Additionally, most textbook photos presented through studies tend to be of lighter skin rather than skin of colour.
It is true that over 80 per cent of readily available images of skin conditions are of lighter-skinned people.
As the Australian multicultural community rises it is important to gain a thorough understanding of lesion manifestations not just on Caucasian skin types, but also how pigmentation and various skin conditions may present on ethnic skin types.
Without such knowledge, accurate diagnosis can be difficult and may result in a misdiagnosis, which is a common phenomenon even among doctors.
According to dermatologist Dr. Kung, from New York, many times, patients will come to see her with a concern that they have shingles, when in fact their condition is psoriasis.
Or they will say they have acne, when it’s keratosis pilaris, or they say they have a fungus, and it is eczema.
So, here are some dermatological observations to consider
Eczema
Psoriasis
In people with darker skin tones, psoriasis can appear as dark patches or thickened, scaly plaques that may be mistaken for eczema or other skin conditions, says Dr. Baum.
Acne
Skin cancer: “Skin cancers do look different in skin of colour versus lighter skin types,” says Dr. Downie. If you have a non-healing pimple or a non-healing wound, you should have these checked by a dermatologist to make sure that it’s not a skin cancer.
Rosacea
On dark and black skin, it may be challenging to recognise the flushing or blushing, associated with rosacea. Keep an eye out for additional symptoms of the illness, says Dr. Chacon. Rosacea is a common skin disorder that makes your face look flushed and has visible blood vessels. Moreover, it could result in tiny, pus-filled pimples.
Keratosis pilaris
We believe that lesion recognition warrants a specialised area of study, and we will pursue encouraging educational providers to develop such a course.
In the meantime, be mindful of the above recommendations and if in doubt refer to a dermatologist.
It is crucial to bridge this information gap and shed light on how common skin conditions may manifest on skin of colour.
By promoting diversity in visual representation and advancing research that encompasses a broader range of skin tones, we can foster a more inclusive and informed understanding of dermatological conditions, empowering individuals of all backgrounds to make informed decisions about their skin health.