Managing common dermatoses in skin of color.

Overview

The demographics of the United States continue to evolve, with a growing proportion of the population consisting of non-Caucasian racial and ethnic groups. As darker skin types become more prevalent, so will the need to better understand their skin, the conditions that affect it, and optimal approaches for treatment. This population poses a special challenge for practitioners in part as a result of the sequelae often associated with the conditions in their own right - postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring - and potential iatrogenic adverse effects that may occur during treatment. Through careful consideration of cultural, clinical, and therapeutic nuances, safe and effective management of common disorders in skin of color is achievable.