Integrating skin color assessments into clinical practice and research: A review of current approaches.

Skin color classification can have importance in skin health, pigmentary disorders, and oncologic condition assessments. It is also critical for evaluating disease course and response to a variety of therapeutic interventions and aids in accurate classification of participants in clinical research studies. A panel of dermatologists conducted a literature review to assess the strengths and limitations of existing classification scales, as well as to compare their preferences and utilities. We identified 17 skin classification systems utilized in dermatologic settings. These systems include a range of parameters such as UV light reactivity, race, ethnicity, and degree of pigmentation. The Fitzpatrick skin type classification is most widely used and validated. However it has numerous limitations including its conflation with race, ethnicity, and skin color. There is a lack of validation data available for the remaining scales. There are significant deficiencies in current skin classification instruments. Consensus-based initiatives to drive the development of validated and reliable tools are critically needed.

An update on tinea capitis in children.

Tinea capitis presents a significant public health care challenge due to its contagious nature, and potential long-term consequences if unrecognized and untreated. This review explores the prevalence, risk factors, diagnostic methods, prevention strategies, impact on quality of life, and treatment options for pediatric tinea capitis. Epidemiological analysis spanning from 1990 to 1993 and 2020 to 2023 reveals prevalence patterns of pediatric tinea capitis influenced by geographic, demographic, and environmental factors. Notably, Trichophyton species is most prevalent in North America; however, Microsporum species remain the primary causative agent globally, with regional variations. Risk factors include close contact and environmental conditions, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures. Accurate diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation, microscopic examination, and fungal culture. Various treatment modalities including systemic antifungals show efficacy, with terbinafine demonstrating superior mycological cure rates particularly for Trichophyton species. Recurrent infections and the potential development of resistance can pose challenges. Therefore, confirming the diagnosis, appropriately educating the patient/caregiver, accurate drug and dose utilization, and compliance are important components of clinical cure. Untreated or poorly treated tinea capitis can lead to chronic infection, social stigma, and psychological distress in affected children. Prevention strategies focus on early detection and healthy lifestyle habits. Collaborative efforts between healthcare providers and public health agencies are important in treating pediatric tinea capitis and improving patient outcomes. Education and awareness initiatives play a vital role in prevention and community-level intervention to minimize spread of infection. Future research should explore diagnostic advances, novel treatments, and resistance mechanisms in order to mitigate the disease burden effectively.

Hair Loss in Patients with Gastroparesis: A Sign of Nutritional Deficiency in Gastroparesis?

INTRODUCTION: Some patients with gastroparesis (Gp) report hair loss. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of patient-reported hair loss in Gp patients, analyze hair loss association to severity of Gp and nutritional deficiencies, and study effects of multivitamin treatment on hair loss. METHODS: Patients with Gp were questioned about hair characteristics, Gp symptoms, and diet. Patients with hair loss had blood drawn for vitamin levels. Patients with hair loss were treated with daily multivitamin and assessed 8 weeks later. RESULTS: Hair loss was reported in 65 of 143 patients with Gp (45.5%), occurring similarly in idiopathic and diabetic Gp. Hair loss was most commonly noticed while washing and/or combing hair. Patients with hair loss had more severe nausea, abdominal pain, stomach fullness, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, bloating, retching, stomach distension, vomiting, early satiety, postprandial fullness, and constipation. Hair loss patients lost more weight over prior 6 months. Patients with hair loss had similar gastric retention on gastric emptying scintigraphy. Overall, 29 of 61 (47.5%) patients with hair loss had at least one abnormal bloodwork result. After 8 weeks of treatment with a daily multivitamin, 17 of 41 (41%) patients had improvement in hair loss. CONCLUSION: Hair loss occurred in 46% of patients with Gp, being associated with more severe symptoms, loss of weight, and several vitamin deficiencies, although not a specific one. Treatment with multivitamins improved hair loss in 40% of patients. Presence of hair loss in patients with Gp should prompt nutritional evaluation and supplementation.

Bacterial infections are common among eczema herpeticum inpatients in a cross-sectional analysis of the 2016 Kids' Inpatient Database.

Eczema herpeticum (EH) is a cutaneous infection with herpes simplex virus, typically in the context of atopic dermatitis. Pediatric hospitalizations for EH have increased over the past several decades, yet few studies have investigated comorbidities or epidemiology of pediatric EH inpatients. We searched the 2016 Kids' Inpatient Database and recorded demographics, comorbidities, and associated costs for patients with EH. We found bacterial infections were a common comorbidity which affected nearly half (47.4%) of hospitalized patients, suggesting the importance of regular monitoring of pediatric EH inpatients for bacterial coinfection.

Hair at the intersection of dermatology and anthropology: A conversation on race and relationships.

Less than 3% of pediatric dermatologists identify as Black, meaning that the vast majority of Black dermatology patients in the United States are being treated by dermatologists who do not share personal hair management experience and cultural symbolism around tightly coiled hair. We cannot, and should not, wait for racial concordance so that Black physicians treat all Black patients. A powerful alternative solution is listening to and learning from others' experience relating to the importance of hair in molding one's identity and emerging autonomy. Representing both clinical and anthropologic lenses and stemming from a conversation between the authors, this article reflects this approach and is intended to stimulate conversation so that in the absence of shared experiences, all patients with tightly coiled hair have access to culturally humble, effective, and ethical care.

Review article: Emerging issues in pediatric skin of color, Part 2.

Dermatology for pediatric skin of color is the application of dermatology to the genetically diverse and distinctive segment of the pediatric population that includes children of non-White racial and ethnic groups with increased pigmentation including individuals of Asian, Hispanic/LatinX, African, Native American, Pacific Island descent, indigenous people among others with overlap in particular individuals, and mixtures thereof. The discipline of pediatric skin of color can be challenging with difficulty in diagnosis of common conditions due to underlying pigmentation, variations in common hair styling practices, and differences in demographics of cutaneous disease. Whereas some conditions are more common in children of color, other conditions have nuances in clinical appearance and therapeutics with regard to skin color. This article, the second of the series, focuses on inflammatory skin disease nuances, melanocytic disorders, and hypopigmented mycosis fungoides.

Review article: Emerging issues in pediatric skin of color, part 1.

Dermatology for the pediatric skin of color population is the application of dermatology to the genetically diverse and distinctive segment of the pediatric population that includes children of non-White racial and ethnic groups with increased pigmentation including individuals of Asian, LatinX, African, Native American, Pacific Island descent, Indigenous Peoples, among others, with overlap in particular individuals, and mixtures thereof. Treating children of color is a unique skill set within the field of pediatric dermatology, requiring knowledge and sensitivity. The discipline of pediatric skin of color can be challenging. Difficulty in diagnosis of common conditions stems from underlying pigmentation, variations in common hairstyling practices, and differences in demographics of cutaneous disease, whereas some conditions are more common in children of color, other conditions have nuances in clinical appearance and/or therapeutics with regard to skin color. This article is the first in a series of two articles looking at recently published skin-related issues of high concern in children of color. Conditions reviewed in Part 1 include (1) hairstyling hair-related concerns (traction alopecia, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, endocrine disruption), (2) autoimmune concerns (cutaneous lupus, vitiligo), and (3) infections (tinea capitis, progressive macular hypomelanosis).

Dupilumab Improves Atopic Dermatitis and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Patient With Skin of Color.

Atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory condition, accounts for numerous dermatology visits for patients with skin of color. The inflammatory process often leads to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in patients with skin of color, which may negatively impact quality of life. We present a case that demonstrates clinical improvement of atopic dermatitis, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and lightening of pigmentation in clinically non-lesional areas after initiation of dupilumab. Lightening of the patient's skin even in areas that previously appeared clinically normal supports the scientific evidence that non-lesional skin in those with atopic dermatitis is often subclinically involved. For skin of color patients, aggressive treatment with duplimab may accelerate the return of the patient's overall normal skin tone. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(7): doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.4937.

Demographic characteristics of teenage boys with horizontal striae distensae of the lower back.

BACKGROUND: This study examines the clinical characteristics and demographics of teenage boys with horizontal striae distensae of the lower back in an outpatient setting. METHODS: Retrospective medical chart reviews and telephone survey studies were completed on an outpatient cohort of 12 boys 11 to 17 years of age with a clinical diagnosis of transverse striae distensae of the lower back at a single-center, university-based, pediatric dermatology practice. We evaluated the clinical features of the striae, participant demographic characteristics, and past medical history. A review of the literature concerning risk factors was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. RESULTS: Of the 14 patients we contacted, 12 agreed to participate. The average age of onset for the striae was 14.3 years. All boys were above the 50th percentile in height at the time of onset. Eight (66.7%) reported a significant growth spurt before the appearance of the stretch marks. Most were asymptomatic. None of the boys had a history of unmonitored exogenous steroid use or prior infection with Bartonella henselae or Borrelia burgdorferi. Only one (8.3%) had a chronic medical condition. Eleven (91.7%) had at least one first-degree relative with striae distensae. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that horizontal striae distensae of the lower back in adolescent boys is associated with a rapid growth spurt, tall stature, and family history of striae distensae. There is no association between this type of striae distensae and any chronic medical condition, bacterial infection, or exogenous steroid use. Thus a careful review of systems and counseling without further medical testing is reasonable management.

Vitiligo.

THE COMPARISONA Vitiligo in a young Hispanic female, which spared the area under a ring. The patient has spotty return of pigment on the hand after narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) treatment.B Vitiligo on the hand in a young Hispanic male.

Racial disparities in dermatology.

Significant racial/ethnic disparities in dermatologic care and their subsequent impact on dermatologic conditions were recently reported. Contributing factors include socioeconomic factors, gaps in educational exposure, and underrepresentation of minority groups in the dermatologic workforce. In 2021, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) announced its three-year plan to expand diversity, equity, and inclusion in dermatology. One way to reduce disparities in dermatology is for every dermatologist, regardless of race or ethnicity, to receive adequate education in diseases, treatments, health equity, and tailored approaches to delivering dermatologic care with cultural humility. In addition, a diverse dermatologic workforce-especially at the level of residency program educators and organizational leaders-will contribute to improved cross-cultural understanding, more inclusive research efforts, and improved treatment approaches for conditions that are more prevalent or nuanced in certain racial/ethnic populations. Finally, the dermatology and broader healthcare community needs to acknowledge and educate ourselves on the health impacts of racism.

The Skin of Color Society's Meeting the Challenge Summit, 2022: Diversity in Dermatology Clinical Trials Proceedings.

Importance: Clinical trials remain the cornerstone for determining the safety and efficacy of an intervention. A diverse participant pool in dermatology clinical trials is critical to ensure that results are generalizable among the patient population who will ultimately depend on the efficacy of the intervention. The Skin of Color Society hosted the inaugural Meeting the Challenge Summit: Diversity in Dermatology Clinical Trials in Washington, DC, from June 10 to 11, 2022. The summit was an interactive and collaborative effort to advance discussions regarding the need for broader inclusion of racial and ethnic minority patients in dermatology clinical trials. Observations: The summit focused on 3 principal areas: (1) understanding the current clinical trials landscape; (2) breaking down patient, clinician, industry, and regulatory barriers; and (3) effecting change through a diversity-focused strategy. The program hosted thought-provoking panel talks and discussions with various stakeholder groups, including a keynote presentation from the family of Henrietta Lacks. Conclusions and Relevance: Panel discussions and insightful presentations from physicians, industry leaders, community trailblazers, and patients fostered new collaborations. The summit provided recommendations and suggested strategies for future initiatives designed to increase the representation of minority individuals in dermatology clinical trials.

Sarcoidosis: Are there differences in your skin of color patients?

The skin of color population is growing at an astronomical rate, making it critically important to recognize diseases, such as sarcoidosis, in patients with skin of color. Sarcoidosis is a multisystem, granulomatous disease, which manifests in a variety of organs and is found more frequently in Blacks as compared with Caucasians. In addition, Blacks have a poorer prognosis and often present with more advanced disease. Sarcoidal lesions can present with multiple morphologic features, some more common in patients with skin of color. We offer a review of the cutaneous presentations of sarcoid lesions in patients with skin of color, an overview of extracutaneous sarcoidosis, the cutaneous signs that may impact overall disease prognosis, and treatment options.

Alopecia in an ophiasis pattern: traction alopecia versus alopecia areata.

We present a case series of 3 black women who presented with alopecia along the anterior and posterior hairline on physical examination. The initial clinical suspicion was traction alopecia from tension placed on the hair and traumatic removal of hairweaves. Two cases were supported histologically as traction alopecia, while the remaining case was alopecia areata in an ophiasis pattern. Interestingly, the case of alopecia areata was associated with the mildly traumatic removal of a weave. Traction alopecia may present in an ophiasis pattern from hair care practices. Although clinical history and physical examination may suggest traction alopecia, alopecia areata must be ruled out. The cases of interest are presented in addition to a brief review of hairweaving practices and hairweave removal techniques.

Hidradenitis suppurativa.

THE COMPARISONSevere longstanding hidradenitis suppurativa (Hurley stage III) with architectural changes, ropy scarring, granulation tissue, and purulent discharge in the axilla of A 35-year-old Black man. A 42-year-old Hispanic woman with a light skin tone.

Tinea capitis.

THE COMPARISON Areas of alopecia with erythema and scale in a young Black boy with tinea capitis. He also had an enlarged posterior cervical lymph node (arrow) from this fungal infection. White patches of scale from tinea capitis in a young Black boy with no obvious hair loss; however, a potassium hydroxide preparation from the scale was positive for fungus. A subtle area of tinea capitis on the scalp of a Latina girl showed comma hairs.

Normal Skin Findings and Cultural Practices in Pediatric Patients with Skin of Color.

The understanding of melanocytes is fundamental to the study of dermatology. These dendritic cells underly the most feared primary cutaneous malignancy, fuel escalating progress in immunotherapy strategies, and invariably underlie entire socioeconomic constructs consciously or unconsciously based on skin tone. Various ethno-genotypes combine with increasing frequency over time, increasing the diversity of skin types that may present with dermatologic diagnoses. Understanding the biology of a variety of skin tones and ethnic practices congruent with distribution of skin tone is invaluable to any physician who wishes to practice efficient and expert care, especially to pediatric patients of this category.

Features of Common Skin Disorders in Pediatric Patients with Skin of Color.

Many dermatologic conditions common in the pediatric population may have unique presentations in skin of color or occur with greater incidence. This may be due to ethnic origin, socioeconomic factors, or other influences. Awareness of the potential variations in skin of color may enhance prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and/or reassurance as indicated.

Erythrasma.

THE COMPARISONA and B Axilla of a 65-year-old White man with erythrasma showing a well-demarcated erythematous plaque with fine scale (A). Wood-lamp examination of the area showed characteristic bright coral red fluorescence (B).C and D A well-demarcated, red-brown plaque with fine scale in the antecubital fossa of an obese Hispanic woman (C). Wood-lamp examination revealed bright coral red fluorescence (D).E Hypopigmented patches (with pruritus) in the groin of a Black man. He also had erythrasma between the toes.

Melanoma.

THE COMPARISONA. Acral lentiginous melanoma on the sole of the foot of a 30-year-old Black woman. The depth of the lesion was 2 mm with a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy.B. Nodular melanoma on the shoulder of a 63-year-old Hispanic woman. The depth of the lesion was 5.5 mm with a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy.