The Importance of Patient Registries in Skin of Color

Abstract

Patient registries serve as powerful and cost-effective research tools that can help improve our understanding of disease pathogenesis and treatment. Although patient registries for various dermatologic diseases currently exist, few address diseases affecting primarily skin of color. Establishing patient registries for diseases that affect skin of color is one potential solution to overcoming some of the limitations researchers face when studying these disorders. Here, we present two patient registries in dermatology that may serve as examples of how patient registries can contribute to advancing our understanding of dermatologic diseases. We also address some of the potential benefits and limitations of patient registries.