The Impact of Skin and Hair Disease in Ethnic Skin

Abstract

The ethnic/racial demographic of the United States is in the midst of significant change and physicians must be adept at recognizing and effectively treating dermatologic disease states in patients with skin of color. Inherent in effectively treating these cutaneous diseases is sufficiently understanding the patient’s viewpoint about his/her disease, as well as hindrances to treatment, compliance, patient satisfaction, and access to leading treatment modalities. In this chapter, we utilize quality of life studies in vitiligo, melasma, acne, keloids, alopecia and sarcoidosis, in order to increase understanding of the extent of disease burden in these disease states and provide improved care.