Considerations When Treating Cosmetic Concerns in Men of Color. 2017

Olabola Awosika, and Cheryl M Burgess, and Pearl E Grimes
*Department of Dermatology, The George Washington Medical Faculty Associates, Washington, DC; †Department of Dermatology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC; ‡Department of Dermatology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC; §Division of Dermatology, University of California, Los Angeles, California.

BACKGROUND Men of color include a diverse population encompassing individuals with Fitzpatrick skin Types IV through VI. Yet, there is a paucity of data describing the cosmetic concerns of this population. OBJECTIVE To review the basic science of advantages and disadvantages of skin of color and pathophysiology, incidence, and treatment of disorders of cosmetic concern in men of color. METHODS A MEDLINE search was performed for publications on sex and racial differences in basic science of skin, common disorders in men of color, and evidence-based treatments. RESULTS There are intrinsic differences in skin and hair of darker-complexioned men, particularly in Hispanics, African Americans, Asians, and Afro-Caribbeans. Advantages of darker skin include increased photoprotection, slowed aging, and a lower incidence of skin cancer. However, the increased content of melanin is associated with myriad dyschromias including melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Additional common skin conditions of concern in men of color include pseudofolliculitis barbae, acne keloidalis nuchae, and keloids. CONCLUSIONS A skin color conscious approach should be administered in caring for the cosmetic concerns of men of color that is cognizant of differences in biology of the skin and hair, associated PIH of disorders, and cultural/social practices among this population.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D003357 Cosmetic Techniques Procedures for the improvement or enhancement of the appearance of the visible parts of the body. Cosmetic Technics,Cosmetic Technic,Cosmetic Technique,Technic, Cosmetic,Technics, Cosmetic,Technique, Cosmetic,Techniques, Cosmetic
D006197 Hair A filament-like structure consisting of a shaft which projects to the surface of the SKIN from a root which is softer than the shaft and lodges in the cavity of a HAIR FOLLICLE. It is found on most surfaces of the body. Fetal Hair,Hair, Fetal,Lanugo,Fetal Hairs,Hairs,Hairs, Fetal
D006201 Hair Diseases Diseases affecting the orderly growth and persistence of hair. Hair Disease
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D012871 Skin Diseases Diseases involving the DERMIS or EPIDERMIS. Dermatoses,Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders,Dermatosis,Skin Disease
D012880 Skin Pigmentation Coloration of the skin. Skin Color,Skin Tone,Color, Skin,Colors, Skin,Pigmentation, Skin,Pigmentations, Skin,Skin Colors,Skin Pigmentations,Skin Tones,Tone, Skin,Tones, Skin
D044469 Racial Groups Groups of individuals with similar physical appearances often reinforced by cultural, social and/or linguistic similarities. Continental Population Groups,Race,Racial Stocks,Continental Population Group,Group, Continental Population,Group, Racial,Groups, Continental Population,Groups, Racial,Population Group, Continental,Population Groups, Continental,Races,Racial Group,Racial Stock,Stock, Racial,Stocks, Racial

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