Celebrating Black History Month 2025 with Dermatology Times

As Black History Month comes to a close, Dermatology Times wants to recognize the inspiring individuals who constantly contribute to our field. However, Black dermatologists and patients are still massively underrepresented in the community. A recent study found that only 3% of practicing dermatologists in the US identify as Black.¹ Compared to the approximately 13% of Black individuals in the country, additional representation in dermatology is crucial.

“Increased representation of Black dermatologists may ultimately allow for improved patient access and promote awareness and knowledge of specific dermatologic needs of Black patients among the broader dermatology community,” the study authors wrote.

The continued representation of Black patients in research trials, clinical offices, and academic settings is needed to ensure dermatologic conditions present on Black skin are correctly documented so that accurate diagnoses and treatments are given.

The end of February does not mean the end of celebrating those with skin of color; instead, it is a reminder to uplift Black voices always. Below is a collection of pieces from this month dedicated to supporting Black individuals in the field of dermatology.

Diagnosing Skin Conditions in Diverse Pediatric Patients

At the 2025 Masters of Pediatric Dermatology Conference in Miami Beach, Florida, Dermatology Times had the opportunity to speak with Nanette Silverberg, MD, chief of pediatric dermatology for Mount Sinai Health Systems and clinical professor of dermatology and pediatrics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Silverberg shared insights into the presentation of skin diseases in pediatric patients of color and the importance of refining diagnostic approaches to enhance patient care.

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Updates in Clinical Study of Patients of Color

Mona Shahriari, MD, FAAD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University and associate director of clinical trials at CCD Research, addressed several critical issues in dermatology at the 2025 MOPD conference in Miami Beach. Her insights focused on enhancing patient trust, improving diversity in clinical trials, and addressing disparities in clinical imagery for diverse skin types.

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Sunscreen Use Among Cyclists Falls Short

Studies indicate that regular cycling is associated with lower mortality rates and contributes to longevity, improved quality of life, socialization, and sustainable mobility. However, as with any outdoor activity, cycling also involves prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which has been linked to skin cancer and other dermatological conditions. This research found that men and Black cyclists were less likely to use sunscreen, with men being generally less likely to use skincare products, and Black individuals often receiving less information on sun protection from dermatologists.

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Nail Diseases in Skin of Color: A Research Gap

Inflammatory nail diseases are common in clinical practice, significantly affecting patient morbidity and quality of life. However, there remains a considerable gap in understanding these conditions, particularly among individuals with skin of color (SoC). This lack of knowledge is most pronounced in the diagnosis and management of nail psoriasis (NP), a condition commonly associated with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). A delayed recognition of NP often leads to worsened patient outcomes, including prolonged time to diagnosis and more severe disease presentation, especially in darker skin tones. With this in mind, a recent systematic review aimed to synthesize the clinical and onychoscopic features of inflammatory nail disorders in individuals with SoC to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes.

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Low-Fluence Q-Switch Laser and Tranexamic Acid Can Quickly Treat Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Combining low-fluence Q-switch 1064 nm laser with oral tranexamic acid can quickly treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation induced by lasers, according to new research. This study highlights a safe and reliable protocol with minimal complications that will manage this type of hyperpigmentation, especially on darker skin. The retrospective cohort study took place across 2 years (2021 to 2023). Nearly all of the 20 patients were female. Participants were between the ages of 29 and 58 and had Fitzpatrick skin types of III or V.

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Sunscreen is the Best Way to Prevent Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Skin of Color

A systemic review analyzed the methods for preventing trauma-induced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in skin of color. It was found that regularly applying sunscreen, especially formulations mixed with other anti-inflammatory ingredients, was a successful prevention technique. Darker Fitzpatrick skin types between III and VI are particularly susceptible to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is due to an increased size of melanosomes and eumelanin, as well as the quantity of melanin.

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Reference

1. Kodumudi V, Gronbeck C, Feng H. Practice Characteristics of Self-Identified Black Dermatologists in the United States. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2023;16(3):27-29.