People seeking clinical skin treatments vary widely in ethnicity. Though people with skin of colour (SOC) constitute the majority of the world’s population, they are under-represented in scientific studies, medical textbooks, and practical training where light skin tones have historically featured most frequently.1 This bias causes delays in diagnosis and treatment, resulting in greater morbidity and mortality, with the need for more oppressive treatment.2
Understanding the differences in the structure and function of SOC is important to facilitate timely diagnosis and prevent adverse outcomes. Thankfully, this call is starting to be addressed. Several large-scale studies have been conducted examining the genetic and phenotypic differences among racial groups3 dedicated training for SOC has been included in the UK dermatology training syllabus since 2021.
We have found that the warmer months are a key time for enquiries and advice sought by patients with SOC at our clinic, because sun exposure worsens certain conditions and draws greater attention to…
