What Black People Should Know About Skin Health:

In a recent survey in the United States, 47% of dermatologists and dermatology residents said they didn’t get enough training in medical school or during their residency to understand skin conditions in black people. Those who felt they needed more training said they wanted more experience with black patients and better study materials.

This shows that it’s important for dermatology students to work with a diverse group of patients and have access to good textbooks and scientific articles. This way, they can learn how to take care of people with different skin types and prevent differences in the quality of healthcare.¹

Why Clinical Trials Are Vital:

We know that in the past, not enough people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds have taken part in medical research. This might happen because it’s hard to get them to join the studies, or they might not be interested or trust the research. Sometimes, they might not have good access to these studies.

When not many minorities are in the research, it can make it hard to use the results to help all patients, and some people might not get the best care. To try to fix this, in 1993, Congress passed a law called the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Revitalization Act. It says that both women and people from different racial backgrounds should be part of clinical research to make sure it’s fair and helps everyone. ¹

7 Signs You Should See a Dermatologist:

1. 1. Changes in Your Skin: If you see a mole or skin patch that has changed in its color, size, shape, or how it feels, it’s time to visit a dermatologist. These changes can sometimes mean you have skin cancer. When it’s about cancer, getting treatment early is super important. Your dermatologist can also teach you how to regularly check your skin for any issues.
   2. Stubborn Acne: If you’ve tried all sorts of acne products, diets, and cleanses but your acne isn’t going away, don’t feel bad about seeing a dermatologist. They can help you deal with your skin problems and give you tips on how to have healthier skin.
   3. Persistent Itchy Rashes: Are you dealing with itchy hives or rashes that won’t leave you alone? It could be an allergy or a skin infection. Go see a dermatologist to find out. They might suggest medicine or other treatments to make you feel better.
   4. Dealing with Scars: If you’re not happy with how a scar from acne, blemishes, or cuts looks, a dermatologist can help. They have different medical treatments like laser therapy or microdermabrasion to reduce scarring. You don’t have to feel self-conscious about it.
   5. Unending Skin Irritation: When your skin is always itchy, red, and flaky, and regular creams and lotions aren’t helping, it might be a chronic skin condition. A dermatologist can figure out what’s going on and recommend the right treatment.
   6. Nail Problems: Whether it’s an ingrown nail, a nail fungus, or something else, having a dermatologist check your nails is a good idea. Nails can show signs of other body problems like liver disease, heart conditions, anemia, or diabetes.
   7. Hair Loss: If you’re noticing more hair on your pillow than usual, you might have a scalp issue or want to prevent more hair loss. Your dermatologist can suggest treatments like laser therapy to keep your hair looking good.²