Racial representation in clinical trials for dermatological new molecular entities.

Under-representation of ethnic minorities in clinical research has major implications for equality of access to current treatments in the field of dermatology. To determine whether there has been equitable representation of black individuals in the clinical trials for dermatological new molecular entities (NMEs) approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2015, we analysed data from the FDA Drug Trials Snapshots programme from January 2015 to the present. During this period, there was significant under-representation of black participants in clinical trials for NMEs treating acne vulgaris, plaque psoriasis, actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma. These findings highlight the need to prioritize representation of ethnic minorities in clinical trials to enhance clinical practice in the field of dermatology and to improve the care and health of minorities.

Diversity in Dermatology? An Assessment of Undergraduate Medical Education.

BACKGROUND: A lack of representation of skin of color (SoC) in dermatology curricula is well-documented across North American medical schools and may present a barrier to equitable and comprehensive undergraduate medical education. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine representation in dermatologic educational materials and appreciate a link between bias in dermatologic education and student diagnostic ability and self-rated confidence. DESIGN: The University of Toronto Dermatology Undergraduate Medical Education curriculum was examined for the percentage photographic representation of SoC. A survey of 10 multiple-choice questions was administered to first- and third-year medical students at the University of Toronto to assess diagnostic accuracy and self-rated confidence in diagnosis of 5 common skin lesions in Fitzpatrick skin phototypes (SPT) I-III (white skin) and VI-VI (SoC). RESULTS: The curriculum audit showed that <7% of all images of skin disease were in SoC. Diagnostic accuracy was fair for both first- (77.8% and 85.9%) and third-year (71.3% and 72.4%) cohorts in white skin and SoC, respectively. Students' overall self-rated confidence was significantly greater in white skin when compared to SoC, in both first- (18.75/25 and 17.78/25, respectively) and third-year students (17.75/25 and 15.79/25, respectively) (P = .0002). CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary assessment identified a lack of confidence in diagnosing dermatologic conditions in SoC, a finding which may impact health outcomes of patients with SoC. This project is an important first step in diversifying curricular materials to provide comprehensive medical education.

Disseminated cutaneous gout: a rare manifestation of a common disease.

Disseminated cutaneous gout is a rare atypical cutaneous manifestation of gout in which widespread dermal and subcutaneous tophi develop at extra-articular body sites. Given the lack of joint involvement that is typically a feature in tophaceous gout, the diagnosis may not be initially suspected. We present the case of a 50-year-old Hispanic man with poorly controlled gout who was evaluated for several years of firm papulonodules over the trunk and upper and lower extremities, sparing the joints; histopathology confirmed, the diagnosis of disseminated cutaneous gout. Per our literature review, disseminated cutaneous gout presents with polymorphous papules and nodules that can mimic other, more common cutaneous diseases. There is a preponderance of cases in males, Asians, and patients with longstanding gout. The lower extremities are involved in nearly all reports. Uric acid-lowering therapy with allopurinol has been reported to decrease the size and number of lesions in a minority of treated patients.

Ultraviolet-A1 phototherapy in Asian skin: A review of 159 cases in Singapore.

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet-A1 phototherapy has been used to treat many inflammatory dermatoses. AIMS: To determine the efficacy and safety of ultraviolet-A1 phototherapy in Asian skin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a review of records of patients undergoing ultraviolet-A1 phototherapy at our dermatology unit in Singapore from January 2007 to January 2011. Their electronic medical records were reviewed and a standardized questionnaire was filled up for data collection and tabulation. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used to compare the difference in response between various groups for each characteristic. P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Our study comprised of 159 patients, of which 103 were patients with hand and foot eczema, 21 with atopic dermatitis, 17 with scleroderma and the remaining with miscellaneous dermatoses. Of these patients, 47.6% of patients with hand and feet eczema had good response after 10 sessions, which increased to 75% after 20 sessions and to 84.6% after 30 sessions. After 10 sessions, 47.6% of patients with atopic dermatitis had good response, which increased to 66.7% after 20 sessions. After 30 sessions, all the three remaining patients with atopic dermatitis experienced good response. For patients with scleroderma, only 11.8 and 10% had good response after 10 and 20 sessions, respectively, which increased to 40% after 30 sessions. LIMITATIONS: Limitations of our study include its retrospective design and, consequently, the lack of standardized treatment protocol, as well as subjective assessment in terms of clinical improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Ultraviolet-A1 phototherapy appears to be efficacious for the treatment of hand and foot eczema as well as atopic dermatitis. However, in patients with scleroderma, the response was partial and needed a longer duration of treatment.

Common Skin Disorders in Pediatric Skin of Color.

Children with skin of color represent a large proportion of the pediatric population. There are numerous skin conditions that commonly occur in this population, including but not limited to acne, atopic dermatitis, pityriasis alba, tinea versicolor, progressive macular hypomelanosis, traction alopecia, and confluent and reticulated papillomatosis. This article highlights the clinical presentations of these conditions in skin of color and briefly addresses pathophysiology and treatment modalities.

Dermatologic care of uninsured patients managed at free clinics.

BACKGROUND: Uninsured patients are not well tracked within the health care system and therefore not commonly recorded in databases. Epidemiologic data regarding patients-specifically, those with dermatologic concerns visiting free clinics-are limited. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of dermatologic complaints among uninsured patients who visit free clinics. METHODS: A cross-sectional chart review of 5553 uninsured patients seen across 8 free clinics in Tampa, Florida, during 2016 was carried out to determine the prevalence of dermatologic chief complaints and patient demographics. RESULTS: Across 8 free clinics, a total of 5553 patients were seen in 2016. Of these patients, 444 (8%) presented with dermatologic complaints. The most common complaints pertained to rash, followed by lesions: localized rash (n = 83 [18.7%]), genital rash (n = 51 [11.5%]), generalized rash (n = 50 [11.3%]), questionable lesions (n = 35 [7.9%]), and genital lesions (n = 18 [4.1%]). LIMITATIONS: There are notable variations in medical documentation practices among free clinics, thereby limiting data collection. CONCLUSIONS: Free clinics have the potential to relieve a great dermatologic burden throughout the uninsured population. The findings from this study can inform other free clinics of the dermatologic conditions that are most likely to be seen among their patient population so that they can better provide their patients with higher-quality care.

Epidemiology of Skin Diseases in a Diverse Patient Population.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic studies of patients who present to dermatology clinics are necessary to identify the needs of patients. OBJECTIVE: To quantify and compare diagnoses according to race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (SES) at 6 general dermatology clinics from January 2013 to December 2016. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of new patients was established using an electronic medical record database. Primary diagnoses and diagnostic codes were recorded. Geocoding was utilized to obtain SES. RESULTS: There were 65969 new patient visits. Racial and ethnic demographics were obtained with the overall top 3 conditions being eczema or dermatitis, benign skin neoplasm, and adnexal disease. In blacks, however, follicular disorders were the third most common condition seen. The most frequently encountered diagnoses at the clinics with the highest and lowest SES were benign skin neoplasm and eczema or dermatitis, respectively. LIMITATIONS: Only primary diagnoses were included in analysis. Determining one's race is increasingly difficult. CONCLUSION: Follicular disorders occurred with an increased frequency in blacks. When examining SES, eczema or dermatitis was the most frequently encountered primary diagnosis at the clinic with the lowest SES, with benign skin neoplasm seen with the highest frequency at the clinic with the highest SES. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(10):1032-1036.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Self-Rated Morbidities Among South Asian Migrant Gas Station Workers in Kuwait.

Gas station workers (GSWs) are at elevated risk of morbidities associated with exposure to petrochemical substances. This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence and examined demographics and occupation-related risk factors associated with self-rated ill-health among GSWs in Kuwait. Structured questionnaire was used to record self-rated ill-health from 460 selected GSWs of South-Asian origin. Prevalence of self-rated ill-health conditions was computed. Random-intercept multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify the demographics and/or work-place related potential risk factors associated with one or more morbidities. Prevalent morbidities were eye(s) complaint (45.2%), asthma/shortness of breath (7.6%), frequent sneezing and allergic rhinitis (44.3%), recurrent headache (48.3%), dizziness (9.8%), tremors (42%), and eczema/skin complaint (44.1%). Furthermore, GSWs were significantly more likely to report one or more ill-health conditions (vs. none), if they were overweight/obese (aOR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1-2.9), married (aOR 2.6; 95% CI 1.5-4.5) or on current job for more than one year (aOR 6.4; 95% CI 2.9-15.4). In conclusion, GSWs suffer from ailments of multiple organ systems and need education and facilitation for self-protection.

The State of Ethnic Dermatology in Canada.

Approximately 30% of Canadians will be members of a visible minority by 2031. When dermatology became an independent medical discipline in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, most residents of Canada and the United States were of Northern European descent. Morphology and descriptions of dermatoses are based on patients with light skin. Skin of colour dermatology refers to a unique field in dermatology dedicated to the diagnosis and management of disorders that are more prevalent in patients with moderately to richly pigmented skin. Important differences in the presentation of common dermatoses such as seborrheic dermatitis and acne exist in patients with darker skin types. The effect of traditional treatments for common and uncommon dermatoses is also an important consideration in managing patients with skin of colour. Such treatments may result in adverse effects such as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation or keloid scarring at a higher rate. Most respondents from a 2013 UK study of dermatology residents and consultants agreed that individuals with 'ethnic skin' had specific and unique dermatological problems. The Royal College of Physician and Surgeons of Canada's Objectives of Training in Dermatology states that residents must demonstrate the requisite knowledge, skills, and attitudes for effective patient-centred care and service to a diverse population. Future steps include creating a national society of dermatologists interested in clinical and academic aspects of ethnic dermatology. As well, presentations on skin of colour dermatology could be encouraged at major Canadian dermatology meetings.

Skin diseases in indigenous population: retrospective epidemiological study at Xingu Indigenous Park (XIP) and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Skin diseases among indigenous populations have been poorly described in the literature. Risk factors linked to habits, cultural practices, genetics, and environmental characteristics can influence the frequency and clinical presentation of these diseases. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted through a review of dermatological medical records. Data were obtained over three visits to Xingu Indigenous Park (XIP). Main dermatoses were compared by gender, age, ethnicity, and village. Diseases were classified into four groups: infectious, inflammatory, neoplastic, and other. RESULTS: Of the 398 patients included in the study, 54.2% were female. The participants ranged in age from 1 to 75 years (median, 10 years). The predominant ethnic group was Caiabi (49.7%), followed by Ikpeng (14.3%) and Kamaiurá (10.0%). The primary village studied was Diauarum, followed by Moigú and Morena. Infectious dermatoses were the most frequent (43.8%), followed by inflammatory (33.7%), neoplastic (15.5%), and other skin diseases (7.0%). Infectious diseases were predominant in Caiabi and Kamaiurá Indians, whereas inflammatory skin diseases were more frequent in Ikpeng and Juruna populations. We also observed a high frequency of malignancy in the Ikpeng and Trumai ethnic groups. Infectious skin diseases, except for fungal infections, were frequent in younger age groups. This trend was not replicated for neoplastic skin diseases. Uncommon dermatoses such as Heck's disease, lichen striatus, and aquagenic urticaria were also observed. Jorge Lobo's disease was not included in this analysis. CONCLUSION: Improved knowledge of the distribution of common dermatoses among different ethnic groups and villages in XIP will aid in the prevention of skin infections and skin cancer. This improved knowledge will also allow the development of skin disease guidelines that can help local indigenous health professionals.

Comparison of Posttransplant Dermatologic Diseases by Race.

Importance: The risk for skin cancer has been well characterized in white organ transplant recipients (OTRs); however, most patients on the waiting list for organ transplant in the United States are nonwhite. Little is known about cutaneous disease and skin cancer risk in this OTR population. Objective: To compare the incidence of cutaneous disease between white and nonwhite OTRs. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective review of medical records included 412 OTRs treated from November 1, 2011, through April 22, 2016, at an academic referral center. Prevalence and characteristics of cutaneous disease were compared in 154 white and 258 nonwhite (ie, Asian, Hispanic, and black) OTRs. Clinical factors of cutaneous disease and other common diagnoses assessed in OTRs included demographic characteristics, frequency and type of cancer, anatomical location, time course, sun exposure, risk awareness, and preventive behavior. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary diagnosis of malignant or premalignant, infectious, and inflammatory disease. Results: The 412 patients undergoing analysis included 264 men (64.1%) and 148 women (35.9%), with a mean age of 60.1 years (range, 32.1-94.3 years). White OTRs more commonly had malignant disease at their first visit (82 [67.8%]), whereas nonwhite OTRs presented more commonly with infectious (63 [37.5%]) and inflammatory (82 [48.8%]) conditions. Skin cancer was diagnosed in 64 (41.6%) white OTRs and 15 (5.8%) nonwhite OTRs. Most lesions in white (294 of 370 [79.5%]) and Asian (5 of 6 [83.3%]) OTRs occurred in sun-exposed areas. Among black OTRs, 6 of 9 lesions (66.7%) occurred in sun-protected areas, specifically the genitals. Fewer nonwhite than white OTRs reported having regular dermatologic examinations (5 [11.4%] vs 8 [36.4%]) and knowing the signs of skin cancer (11 [25.0%] vs 10 [45.4%]). Conclusions and Relevance: Early treatment of nonwhite OTRs should focus on inflammatory and infectious diseases. Sun protection should continue to be emphasized in white, Asian, and Hispanic OTRs. Black OTRs should be counseled to recognize the signs of genital human papillomavirus infection. Optimal posttransplant dermatologic care may be determined based on the race or ethnicity of the patients, but a baseline full-skin assessment should be performed in all patients. All nonwhite OTRs should be counseled more effectively on the signs of skin cancer, with focused discussion points contingent on skin type and race or ethnicity.

Refining the ideas of "ethnic" skin

Abstract: Skin disease occur worldwide, affecting people of all nationalities and all skin types. These diseases may have a genetic component and may manifest differently in specific population groups; however, there has been little study on this aspect. If population-based differences exist, it is reasonable to assume that understanding these differences may optimize treatment. While there is a relative paucity of information about similarities and differences in skin diseases around the world, the knowledge-base is expanding. One challenge in understanding population-based variations is posed by terminology used in the literature: including ethnic skin, Hispanic skin, Asian skin, and skin of color. As will be discussed in this article, we recommend that the first three descriptors are no longer used in dermatology because they refer to nonspecific groups of people. In contrast, "skin of color" may be used - perhaps with further refinements in the future - as a term that relates to skin biology and provides relevant information to dermatologists.

Perception and Acceptability of Medical Photography in Chinese Dermatologic Patients: A Questionnaire Survey.

BACKGROUND: Medical photography is increasingly used by physicians, but studies assessing the perception and acceptability of medical photography by Chinese dermatologic patients are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To assess the perception and acceptability of medical photography in Chinese dermatologic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July to December 2014, adult patients visiting the Dermatology Clinic of The First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University were included in this study. They were required to fill an anonymous questionnaire regarding perception and acceptability of medical photography. RESULTS: A total of 509 consecutive patients completed the questionnaire, with 35 and 474 declining and undergoing medical photography, respectively. Meanwhile, 81.0% of the patients preferred to be photographed by attending physicians; 63.3% favored clinic-owned cameras, and 81.0% would rather have their photographs stored in the department's database. Besides, most patients allowed their photographs to be used in case studies (92.8%) or medical record keeping (90.3%). CONCLUSION: Most Chinese dermatologic patients accept medical photography. However, the principles of privacy protection and informed consent should be strictly enforced in clinical practice, and appropriate photographic devices and storage methods should be used, for better acceptance.

Universal Trichloroacetic Acid Peel Technique for Light and Dark Skin.

IMPORTANCE: Despite their great potential, medium and deep trichloroacetic acid peels are underused in light-skinned patients and are rarely used in darker-skinned patients because of the widespread fear of pigmentary complications and scarring. This concern has led many physicians to opt for the use of lighter types of peels (glycolic acid peel, Jessner peel, etc) and different lasers and intense light technologies. Trichloroacetic acid peels have been described in numerous publications. However, no study to date has described the precise technique and the practical pearls of a successful trichloroacetic acid peel approach in a clear, detailed, and reproducible manner. OBJECTIVES: To clarify a practical approach to a universal trichloroacetic acid peel and to offer novice and experienced facial plastic surgeons an organized, easy, and safe technique for medium and deep trichloroacetic acid peels. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This study was a case series of universal trichloroacetic acid peels in an academic setting. The study dates were January 1, 1996, to November 1, 2015. MAIN OUTCOMES AND METHODS: This article discusses the preoperative evaluation for a chemical peel, a previously published genetico-racial skin classification, and the trichloroacetic acid peel technique, which aims at standardizing and controlling the application of the acid to improve results and lessen complications. The "strip" technique is described, which increases the physician's control over the peel depth. RESULTS: A total of 923 trichloroacetic acid peels in 803 female patients (87.0%) and 120 male patients (13.0%) were reviewed (mean age, 41.59 years). The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 13 years (mean, 13 months). This case series revealed a low incidence of complications, including 54 patients (5.9%) with persistent hyperpigmentation, 3 patients (0.3%) with mild telangiectasia, 2 patients (0.2%) with acute herpesvirus infection, 2 patients (0.2%) with bacterial Staphylococcus infection, and 1 patient (0.1%) with hypopigmentation. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: When properly applied, trichloroacetic acid peels are efficient and safe for light and dark skin. The technique can be an easily implementable addition to a physician's cosmetic practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Fractional resurfacing in the Asian patient: Current state of the art.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Fractionated photothermolysis (FP) has revolutionized modern laser technology. By creating selective columns of microthermal damage, fractionated devices allows for greater treatment depths to be achieved without the prolonged downtime and risk of complications seen in traditional fully ablative laser resurfacing. Fractional resurfacing is a proven method to treat a variety of cutaneous conditions. In the Caucasian patient, a wide range of devices and treatment settings can be utilized safely and effectively. However, ethnic skin requires special consideration due to its unique pigmentary characteristics and clinical presentations. In this review article, we detail the current indications and strategies to optimize results and mitigate complications when utilizing fractional resurfacing for the Asian patient. METHODS: A review of the MEDLINE English literature was conducted on fractionated laser devices studied in the Asian population. Articles included describe non-ablative devices including fractionated erbium glass, thulium fiber, diode, and radiofrequency devices; and ablative devices including fractionated carbon dioxide (CO2 ) laser, erbium yttrium aluminum garnet and yttrium scandium gallium garnet (YSGG) laser. These data were integrated with the expert opinion of the authors. CONCLUSION: Taking into account the unique characteristics and cosmetic concerns of the Asian population, fractional resurfacing can be considered a safe and effective option for the treatment of atrophic and hypertrophic scarring, and photorejuvenation in ethnic skin types. Select cases of melasma may be treated with fractionated non-ablative devices, but utilized with caution. The predominant complication associated with fractional resurfacing for these conditions is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and rebound worsening of melasma. A greater number of treatments at lower density settings and wider treatment intervals typically produce the lowest risks of PIH without compromising treatment efficacy. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:45-59, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A survey of self-reported skin disease in the elderly African-American population.

BACKGROUND: In the USA, the geriatric population, almost 12% of which will be comprised of African-Americans, is expected to exceed 88 million by 2050. Data on dermatologic conditions in elderly African-Americans are deficient. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify prevalences of self-reported skin disease and skin-related concerns in elderly African-Americans, and to assess participants' perceptions of skin disease and awareness of skin cancer. METHODS: Elderly African-Americans were recruited into a cross-sectional study and asked to complete a 17-item questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 101 participants aged 60-91 years (median age: 71 years) completed the questionnaire. The majority (75.2%) of the subjects were female. The most common self-reported skin diseases were eczema/dermatitis (28.7%), fungal skin infections (16.8%), alopecia (6.9%), viral skin infections (4.9%), and urticaria (4.9%). The most common skin concerns were dry skin/pruritus (40.6%), moles (27.7%), hair loss (25.7%), skin discoloration (20.8%), and wrinkles (15.8%). Overall, 40.6% of participants reported concern about skin cancer, and 75.2% reported examining their skin regularly. However, 34.7% did not believe that people with darker skin types should be concerned about skin cancer. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an important overview of the most common self-reported skin conditions in elderly African-Americans. Substantial age-related differences in the frequencies of skin disorders were apparent. It is important to include the elderly population within campaigns to educate minority group members on skin cancer.

Non-infectious skin disease in Indigenous Australians.

The burden of non-infectious skin disease in the Indigenous Australian population has not been previously examined. This study considers the published data on the epidemiology and clinical features of a number of non-infectious skin diseases in Indigenous Australians. It also outlines hypotheses for the possible differences in the prevalence of such diseases in this group compared with the general Australian population. There is a paucity of literature on the topic but, from the material available, Indigenous Australians appear to have a reduced prevalence of psoriasis, type 1 hypersensitivity reactions and skin cancer but increased rates of lupus erythematosus, kava dermopathy and vitamin D deficiency when compared to the non-Indigenous Australian population. This article profiles the prevalence and presentation of non-infectious skin diseases in the Indigenous Australian population to synthesise our limited knowledge and highlight deficiencies in our understanding.

Mythology to reality: case report on a giant cutaneous horn of the scalp in an African American female.

We present a case study of a patient with a rare and disfiguring dermatologic condition known as cornu cutaneum, or giant cutaneous horn (GCH). While this condition has been well described in people of European and Asian ancestry, its presence in African populations is perceived to be rare and has not been reported in the literature until recently. We present the case of cornu cutaneum in a woman of African descent, contributing to the recent evidence that this condition may not be as rare in African populations as believed. Etiologic factors, epidemiology and management are also reviewed.

Chemical peeling in ethnic skin: an update.

With the growth of cosmetic dermatology worldwide, treatments that are effective against skin diseases and augment beauty without prolonged recovery periods, or exposing patients to the risks of surgery, are increasing in popularity. Chemical peels are a commonly used, fast, safe and effective clinic room treatment that may be used for cosmetic purposes, such as for fine lines and photoageing, but also as primary or adjunct therapies for acne, pigmentary disorders and scarring. Clinicians are faced with specific challenges when using peels on ethnic skin (skin of colour). The higher risk of postinflammatory dyschromias and abnormal scarring makes peels potentially disfiguring. Clinicians should therefore have a sound knowledge of the various peels available and their safety in ethnic skin. This article aims to review the background, classification, various preparations, indications, patient assessment and complications of using chemical peels in ethnic skin.

Lasers and light-based therapies in ethnic skin: treatment options and recommendations for Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI.

Ethnic skin or 'skin of colour', which is characterized by increased epidermal melanin, labile melanocytes and reactive fibroblast responses, poses special challenges for the use of laser and light-based therapies. These therapies are associated with a greater risk of dyspigmentation and scarring in ethnic skin and therefore require careful selection of device and treatment parameters to minimize complications. Whereas early-generation lasers for hair removal and resurfacing were generally contraindicated for individuals with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes (SPT) IV-VI, advances in the past decade have given rise to a range of devices that can be safely used in ethnic skin. Longer wavelength lasers such as the 810 and 1064 nm Nd:YAG; intense pulsed light and monochromatic excimer light (308 nm); fractional lasers; and radiofrequency devices have all been used safely for hair removal, pigmentary abnormalities, resurfacing and skin tightening in ethnic skin, respectively. Notwithstanding these advances, nuances in the laser or light treatment of darker skin types remain and must be considered to ensure safe therapeutic outcomes. The vast majority of published data pertaining to lasers and light treatments in nonwhite skin involve patients of East Asian ethnicity (e.g. Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Thai). By contrast, there is a paucity of studies involving individuals of African ancestry or those with SPT V or VI. This article will review laser and light-based modalities that are considered safe and effective for individuals with richly pigmented skin.