Dermatologic conditions in men of African ancestry

Abstract

Distinctive properties of darkly pigmented skin contribute to epidemiologic, clinical and therapeutic differences in persons of color. Men of color – particularly those of African ancestry (e.g., African–Americans, African–Caribbeans and Africans) – are a subset of this population in whom several skin disorders present more commonly or almost exclusively. These include pseudofolliculitis barbae, acne keloidalis nuchae and dissecting cellulitis of the scalp or perifolliculitis capitis abscendens et suffodiens. Keloids, although seen in all races and both genders, are more common in darker-skinned racial/ethnic groups and are a leading dermatologic concern among men of color. This article highlights these skin conditions, their medical and surgical management and recent advances in research.