Epidemiology of skin diseases in people of color.

Abstract

The epidemiology of skin diseases in people of color has not been extensively studied. Many skin diseases (eg, acne vulgaris; eczematous dermatitis; infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses) are common to most people of color--blacks, Asians, Hispanics/Latinos, and Native Americans. Diseases of more cosmetic concern (eg, melasma, postinflammatory pigmentation, acne keloidalis nuchae, scalp and facial folliculitis, keloids, alopecias) occur more in skin of color than in white skin.