What's new in objective assessment and treatment of facial hyperpigmentation?

Facial hyperpigmentation is common and challenging to treat in darker-skinned populations. A Medline literature search of articles published up to October 2013 reporting the objective assessment of and/or treatment for melasma, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, dermatosis papulosa nigra, lichen planus pigmentosus, and erythema dyschromicum perstans was reviewed. Objective assessment was only reported for melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, randomized controlled trial evidence was only reported for melasma. Although progress has been made, there is a need to develop more objective outcome measures and effective treatments for hyperpigmentation.

The spectrum of HIV-associated infective and inflammatory dermatoses in pigmented skin.

HIV and AIDS patients often suffer from various skin infections of viral, bacterial, and fungal origin. In addition, parasitic infestations are prevalent. Common inflammatory dermatoses include seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, photodermatitis, and pruritic papular eruptions. This article discusses some of these conditions with an emphasis on clinical presentation. In patients with pigmented skin, diagnosis maybe challenging and complicated by dyspigmentation.

Dermatologic conditions in skin of color: part II. Disorders occurring predominately in skin of color.

Several skin conditions are more common in persons with skin of color, including dermatosis papulosa nigra, pseudofolliculitis barbae, acne keloidalis nuchae, and keloids. Dermatosis papulosa nigra is a common benign condition characterized by skin lesions that do not require treatment, although several options are available for removal to address cosmetic concerns. Pseudofolliculitis barbae occurs as a result of hair removal. Altering shaving techniques helps prevent lesions from recurring. In acne keloidalis nuchae, keloidal lesions are found on the occipital scalp and posterior neck. Early treatment with steroids, antibiotics, and retinoids prevents progression. A key part of the management of keloids is prevention. First-line medical therapy includes intralesional steroid injections. The distinct structure of the hair follicle in blacks results in hair care practices that can lead to common scalp disorders. For example, chemical relaxers decrease the strength of hair and may cause breakage. Better patient education, with early diagnosis and treatment, often leads to better outcomes.