Variations in genetics, biology, and phenotype of cutaneous disorders in skin of color. Part II: Differences in clinical presentation and disparities in cutaneous disorders in skin of color

Abstract

Skin of color (SOC) patients are projected to comprise the majority of the population by 2044, yet knowledge gaps in the clinical presentation and treatment of both common and uncommon dermatologic conditions in skin of color persist. Improved awareness of disparities that disproportionately impact SOC patients is necessary to address health inequity in the field of dermatology. The first part of this CME discussed structural, genetic, and immunophenotypic differences in SOC in common inflammatory disorders as well as cutaneous malignancies. The second part of this CME highlights clinical differences in the phenotypic presentation of the inflammatory disorders of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and hidradenitis suppurativa as well as the cutaneous malignancies of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Health disparities associated with each of these conditions are also discussed.

Keywords: AD; BCC; CTCL; HS; POC; SOC; atopic dermatitis; basal cell carcinoma; cutaneous T-cell lymphoma; cutaneous melanoma; ethnic skin; hidradenitis suppurativa; people of color; psoriasis; racial differences; skin of color.