Why do people with black skin need different treatments?
However, as dermatologists, we realize that people with black skin have a unique set of skin concerns because of genetics and cultural practice, and thus require different treatments as opposed to patients with much lighter skin. Ask Dr. Jones about your skin condition today!
What causes darkening of the skin?
Darkening of the skin can also result from a hormonal change, a congenital or hormonal disorder (as happens in Addison’s Disease), or a combination of sun exposure and allergic reaction (usually to a specific plant or chemical). Darkened skin may be caused by congenital or genetic conditions including:
When should I seek medical care for darkening of the skin?
Seek prompt medical care if you have darkened skin and are also experiencing fatigue, loss of appetite, or sudden depression; if the darkened areas are also occurring in your mouth or other mucus membranes; or if you are experiencing diarrhea or constipation. If your darkened skin is persistent or causes you concern, seek prompt medical care.
Is hyperpigmentation treatable in people with dark skin?
While hyperpigmentation is totally treatable, people with darker skin need to take extra caution to safely and effectively treat dark spots. Please read below for dermatologists' tips for the best ways to treat hyperpigmentation in black skin (including our favorite Advanced Dark Spot remover ). What causes hyperpigmentation?
What race has the highest pain tolerance?
Results: African American subjects reported higher levels of clinical pain as well as greater pain-related disability than white participants. In addition, substantial group differences were observed for ischemic pain tolerance, with African Americans demonstrating less tolerance than whites.
How do African Americans respond to pain?
African Americans were found to have lower pain thresholds than whites for cold, heat, pressure, and ischemia [4]. Most studies showed no racial differences in pain intensity ratings, although African Americans described comparable pain intensity as a more unpleasant sensation than did whites [4].
Does skin color affect health?
Summary: Researchers have found that the color of a person's skin affects how healthy and therefore attractive they appear, and have found that diet may be crucial to achieving the most desirable complexion.
Is black skin different from white skin?
The key difference between black and white skin is based on the type of melanin produced. Black skin contains eumelanin while white skin produces pheomelanin. Moreover, a further difference between black and white skin is the characteristics of melanocytes.
How does Japanese culture view pain?
However, pain in Japanese, which is called "itami", means extraordinary state of something without containing the meaning of punishment. The Japanese who originally have view of life of empathy and assimilation with the nature, have tended not to regard the pain as the object being overcome.
What is the problem with race based medicine?
However, Roberts traces race-based medicine to false assumptions about innate biological differences and to ugly justifications for slavery and medical exploitation. Today, race-based medicine diverts attention and resources from the social determinants that cause appalling racial gaps in health.
What is the healthiest skin color?
yellowish complexionThe research focused on facial skin color among Caucasians, finding a light, yellowish complexion looks the healthiest. The skin color could indicate a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, whose pigments are known to change the skin's hue, researchers suggest.
Why does light skin look better?
Humans with light skin pigmentation have skin with low amounts of eumelanin, and possess fewer melanosomes than humans with dark skin pigmentation. Light skin provides better absorption qualities of ultraviolet radiation.
Is darker skin healthier?
“Work in our lab has shown that darkly pigmented skin has far better function, including a better barrier to water loss, stronger cohesion, and better antimicrobial defense, and we began to ponder the possible evolutionary significance of that,” said Peter Elias, MD, professor of dermatology.
What are the disadvantages of having dark skin?
Nature selects for less melanin when ultraviolet radiation is weak. In such an environment, very dark skin is a disadvantage because it can prevent people from producing enough vitamin D, potentially resulting in rickets disease in children and osteoporosis in adults.
What are the advantages of having dark skin?
In high-UV environments, darker skin offers protection from the damaging effects of UV radiation, especially to DNA and the valuable nutrient folate. In low-UV environments, there is a trade-off between protection from UV and the need for some UV absorption for the production of vitamin D.
Does dark skin age slower?
Darker skin can show age more slowly because it has more melanin (dark pigment that determines sun sensitivity). The more melanin you have, the more protection you have against photoaging, or skin damage from too much exposure to the sun's rays.
Why is my skin darker?
Since the role of melanin in the skin is to absorb and scatter energy from ultraviolet (UV) light, having a dark complexion reduces the risk of sun damage, particularly as it pertains to skin aging and skin cancer formation.
Why is acne bad for dark skin?
But due to its link to hyperpigmentation, it is of greatest concern for people with dark skin. Acne develops when there is an overproduction of oil in the skin. That oil mixes with bacteria within the pores and blocks the pore openings.
How long does it take for pigmentation to return?
When applied to the skin twice daily, research shows, normal pigmentation may return, although it may take months. Still another approach is the use of strong steroid creams, which can be effective if used on certain areas of the body such as the face and neck. Melanoma and Dark Skin.
What products are used to treat acne?
In fact, any skin care product ingredient that irritates or dries skin increases the risk. The most common products include benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid (used to treat acne) and anti-aging compounds such as retinoids and glycolic acid.
How long does it take for minocycline to fade?
This is also true of certain oral antibiotics, particularly minocycline. In some people, it can produce a darkening of the skin, which can take months to fade. If you have dark skin and develop acne, see a dermatologist skilled in treating ethnic complexions as soon as possible.
What is it called when you lose color on your skin?
When color is lost, it's called hypopigmentation, which results in light-colored patches.
Why does my skin itch?
It can be triggered by such things as stress, extreme changes in temperature, dry skin, pet or plant allergies, or irritations caused by skin care or cosmetic ingredients.
Where do dark patches of skin appear?
Thickened brown velvety textured patches of skin that may occur in any location but most commonly appear in the folds of the skin in the armpit, groin and back of the neck. While they appear mostly in people who are obese or with diabetes, darker skin is also a risk factor. Ask Dr. Jones about your skin condition today!
What are the most common skin conditions in black people?
Here are the 10 most common conditions I see in black skin: 1. Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra. Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a benign cutaneous condition common among blacks. It is usually characterized by multiple, small, hyperpigmented, asymptomatic papules on the face of adult blacks. DPN ‘s usually develops on darker skin as multiple small ...
What is the name of the disorder where pigment cells are lost?
Vitiligo . Vitiligo is an acquired depigmenting disorder of the skin, in which pigment cells (melanocytes) are lost. It presents with well-defined milky-white patches of skin ( leukoderma ). Vitiligo can be cosmetically very disabling, particularly in people with dark skin.
Is AKN more common in black people?
The condition may persist for many years. AKN is more common in dark-skinned people than in whites, and most often affects adult Afro-Caribbean males with black curly hair. It is 20 times more common in males than in females. Ask Dr. Jones about your skin condition today!
Can hyperpigmentation occur in darker skin?
It is mostly observed in darker skin types. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur in anyone, but is more common in darker-skinned individuals, in whom the colour tends to be more intense and persist for a longer period than in lighter skin colours. Ask Dr. Jones about your skin condition today! 7.
Why do people with black skin need to be careful with hyperpigmentation?
Why people with black skin need to be careful with hyperpigmentation treatment. People with darker skin tones need to use extra caution when using products to treat post-acne dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Using the wrong ingredients—or even the right ingredients in the wrong concentrations —can cause skin irritation, further skin discoloration, ...
What is the best treatment for dark spots?
Bearberry Extract: Believed to be the world’s best plant-based dark spot treatment. As a botanical resource, bearberry extract contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that protect against free radical damage and UV rays and prevent new melanin formation in existing dark spots.
What is the best lightening agent for dark spots?
Hydroquinone: The most effective medical-grade skin lightening agent. Used as the key ingredient in the Kligman formula (the strongest prescription formula for the treatment of hyperpigmentation), it works by reducing the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in the production of new melanin (i.e., pigment) and is more effective than other brightening ingredients such as kojic acid, glycolic acid, and azelaic acid. Hydroquinone is the only FDA-approved product for fading dark spots on the market, and its effectiveness is solidly supported through multiple scientific studies. In concentrations of up to 2%, hydroquinone is safe for all skin types, including dark skin, black skin, and sensitive skin. Higher levels may still be effective but do pose a greater risk of adverse effects in black skin.
Why is hyperpigmentation more common in black people?
The reason is that darker skin contains a higher amount of melanin (more color) in the skin cells and a tendency to overproduce additional melanin in response to external factors.
What is the term for dark spots on the face?
Hyperpigmentation is a condition where patches of skin become darker than the normal surrounding skin—i.e., the fancy term for “dark spots.” This discoloration results from an accumulation of excess melanin—a naturally occurring pigment in the body that gives the eyes, hair, and skin their (beautiful array variety) color.
What is the name of the discoloration of the face?
Melasma: Melasma is a type of skin discoloration caused by changes in hormone levels often associated with pregnancy or the use of birth control pills. Melasma typically develops on larger areas face—the cheeks, sides of the face, forehead, and above the lips.
Why is it dangerous to use a laser on black skin?
Like TCA peels, laser and IPL treatment may be too aggressive and risky for people with black skin due to an increased risk of hypopigmentation.
How to stop dark spots from appearing?
Treatment of underlying medical conditions . Proper management of existing skin conditions, such as acne or psoriasis, is likely to help stop new spots from appearing. Any dark spots that are already on the skin due to these conditions may then fade away over time.
What causes dark spots on skin?
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are responsible for most dark skin spots. The UV rays trigger excess melanin production, causing new areas of hyperpigmentation and darkening existing areas. The AAD recommend everyone to use sunscreen that: has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
Why do I have dark spots on my face?
Causes. Acne can cause dark spots and scarring. Dark spots may occur on black skin when the skin overproduces melanin. Melanin is the substance that gives skin its color. Factors that can trigger excess melanin production include sun exposure and hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy.
What is the best treatment for dark spots?
Hydroquinone is a very popular treatment for dark spots. Similar to vitamin C, it works by inhibiting melanin production. Over-the-counter (OTC) products typically contain 2% hydroquinone, whereas prescription creams contain 4%. Creams that contain hydroquinone are available in some drug stores, pharmacies, and online.
How long does it take for a dark spot to fade?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), once a person removes the cause of the spots, any existing ones will typically fade within 6 to 12 months. However, daily sunscreen use is important to help the area fade and prevent the sun from darkening it. Darker spots may take years to fade, however.
Can acne go away over time?
The “wait and see” approach. In some cases, no treatment may be the best option, as the spots could go away over time. For example, this may be the case for some types of hyperpigmentation that occur during pregnancy or those that appear after an acne pimple goes away.
Can a dermatologist treat hyperpigmentation?
A dermatologist can offer advice on how to treat hyperpigmentation. Image credit: Kylie Aquino, 2017. People should avoid using very harsh treatments on the skin, as these may cause skin damage and serious harm to internal organs. For example, some online sources recommend using liquid bleach on dark spots.
What is the best treatment for hyperpigmentation?
Vitamin C is another popular treatment. Studies show C can help brighten skin and fade hyperpigmentation much like hydroquinone, but without as much irritation. "Look for high levels of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate in the ingredients of a brightening treatment," says Renée Rouleau, a Dallas-based aesthetician who treats hyperpigmentation.
What is the best way to protect your face from UV rays?
Every UV ray that hits your skin causes damage, she says. And the damaging rays can pierce through clouds and glass, so you always need SPF protection. Wear a hat. A wide-brimmed hat will shield your face, the area most prone to hyperpigmentation, Tanzi says. You need that physical protection from the sun.
What is hydroquinone cream?
One option is hydroquinone, a prescription topical cream that slows down the pigment-making processes in the skin , Tanzi says.
Can you treat brown spots on your face?
But you can't treat all spots equally. Before you pick a course of action, see your dermatologist, Tanzi says.
Should I wear SPF 30 every day?
Whenever possible, stand in a spot out of direct sunlight -- even little things, like crossing to a shadier side of the street, matter. Never skip SPF. " You have to wear an SPF 30 sunscreen every day," Tanzi says. Every UV ray that hits your skin causes damage, she says.
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Why is it more likely to occur in black people?
One explanation may be significant barriers to getting the right care. Without the right care, the condition can worsen and affect quality of life. Black people are less likely to have access to a dermatologist familiar with their skin.
What are the barriers to accessing dermatology?
There can be major barriers to accessing care Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Black people have lower access to dermatologists. This means they’re less likely to get an accurate diagnosis. The symptoms of HS in the early stage can be mistaken for other conditions.
What is the best treatment for HS?
Carbon dioxide laser treatments . This procedure may be used in more severe cases of HS. Lasers are used to remove sections of skin affected by HS. Laser hair removal. Lasers are used to damage the hair follicle and prevent hair growth. This may help to prevent a recurrence of HS in that area.
Why do black people have HS?
Data demonstrates that HS occurs more frequently in Black people. One reason for this may be inequities in healthcare and in the ability to access care.
Do black people get pain medication?
Black people are less likely to be given pain medications — and even when they do receive them, they get less treatment for pain compared with white people. HS can be a very painful condition. Managing the pain and inflammation is a critical part of caring for HS.
Do black people have more sweat glands?
It’s not clear whether genetics explain these higher rates. According to a 2018 review, one study from the 1960s suggested that Black people have more sweat glands. However, there hasn’t been any updated research in this area.
Is HS harder to treat?
Black people are less likely to have access to a dermatologist familiar with their skin. This means that HS may be diagnosed at later stages and be harder to treat. Much more needs to be done to ensure equal access to care for Black people. Last medically reviewed on March 29, 2021.
