Ethnic Conditions

Atopic Dermatitis

Itchy, discolored, eczematous eruptions very common in individuals of African American and Pacific Islanders.  Often associated with seasonal allergies, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. Often has a genetic element.

Acne Vulgaris

Follicular inflammation; frequently hormonal-driven or secondary to cosmetics.  There is higher risk of discoloration and scarring in individuals with darker skin pigments.  Most frequently seen in adolescents, but often seen in adults.

Acne Keloidalis Nuchae

Follicular inflammation on the nape of the neck, frequently associated with haircuts. Noted to have itchy bumps and hair loss. Individuals with tightly curled and coiled coarse hair often suffers with this condition.

Aging Skin in Skin of Color

Addressing specific skin of color maturation process involving the additive effects of time-dependent intrinsic aging, genetics and environmental influences including sun exposure. Treatment options are available as well as preventative measures.

Acanthosis Nigricans

Dark, velvety, thick patches of skin often noted on the back of the neck and skin folds. Frequently associated with metabolic disturbances such as diabetes.

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

“Razor Bumps” is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin caused by shaving or plucking hairs. Individuals with tightly curled and coiled coarse hair often suffer with this condition.

Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPNs)

A common condition of many small, benign brown skin lesions on the face and neck; generally presenting on dark-skinned individuals.  Can be treated if cosmetically undesirable.

Cutaneous Sarcoidosis   

“Granulomatous” lesions on the skin. The exact cause of sarcoidosis is not known. It is classified under autoimmune disorder, but the trigger is unknown. Can be systemic and/or cutaneous.  Cutaneous lesions are diagnosed via biopsy.

Cutaneous Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which affects multiple organs and systems in the body including the skin.  There are multiple forms of lupus. Discoid lupus, the most common cutaneous form is noted to have “coin-shaped” lesions on the skin.

Hair Loss

Also known as alopecia.  May occur as gradual thinning, excessive shedding of the hair circular/patchy bald spots, sudden loss of hair, full body hair loss and breakage.  Multiple causes of hair loss include, genetics, changes in hormones, autoimmune disease, and medications.

Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars

An overgrowth of collagen with injury, inflammation or surgery in scar formation.  Scars are often red, painful and itchy. There is a genetic component. There are multiple treatment modalities.

Pityriasis Alba

Noted as light spot on face and body most often seen in children and adolescents.  Frequently seen in individuals with history of atopic dermatitis/eczema. This is a self-limiting disorder, frequently improves with moisturizers.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Describes dark discoloration of the skin that follows an inflammatory process. Treatment options available including use of sunscreen/sun protection as well as prevention in some circumstances.

Melasma

A common skin condition in which brown patches appear on the skin. Frequently on cheeks and other areas of the face.  Often induced by hormonal elements, sun exposure and genetics. It is more common in women.

Pigmentation Disturbances

Defined as multiple disorders that affect the color of the skin.  Special cells in the skin make melanin. When these cells become damaged or unhealthy, it affects melanin production and subsequently the coloring of the skin. Some pigmentation disorders affect just patches of skin while others affect your entire body.

Traction Alopecia (hair loss)

Is caused primarily by pulling force being applied to the hair. Frequently induced by tight ponytails, chignons, or braids.

Vitiligo

A long-term skin condition characterized by patches of the skin losing their pigment (or becoming depigmenting). Although the exact cause is unknown, it is hypothesized that genetic susceptibility is triggered by environmental factors and underlying auto-immune diseases.

Scarring Alopecia

Also known as cicatricial alopecia, is the loss of hair which is accompanied with scarring and inflammation.  Inflammatory cells attack the hair follicles with subsequent destruction and fibrotic scarring. The exact cause is unknown.

Seborrheic dermatitis - also known as seborrhea, is a long-term skin disorder involving the scalp and face.   Seborrheic dermatitis is associated with scaly, flaking skin, itching, redness of the scalp and face.

Trichorrhexis Nodosa

A defect in the hair shaft characterized by thickening or weak points (nodes) that cause the hair to break off easily.  Most commonly associated with styling practices including chemical relaxers, heat, coloring, braids, and hair weaves. Uncommonly may be due to a genetic disorder.