Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition affecting over 125 million people globally, can appear differently depending on skin tone. While plaque psoriasis typically appears reddish-brown on White skin tones, it can also appear white or grayish on Black skintone.
Sometimes sunburn or other infections can trigger symptoms, and some individuals utilize phototherapy treatments – which darken skin – as a method of treatment.
Psoriasis and Black Skin
Symptoms
Psoriasis affects anyone, regardless of skin tone or type. Plaque-type psoriasis typically presents itself in raised, thickened lesions on knees, scalp or elbows; but they may occur anywhere on the body and become itchy when touched, cracking open to reveal blood and even bleeding during scratching and scratching can result.
National Psoriasis Foundation reports that scales can range in color from red, purple, dark brown or gray, with some appearing shiny or silver-looking. People with darker skin tones may also develop pustular psoriasis which causes clearly defined, pus-filled blisters.
Psoriasis can be difficult to diagnose in people with darker skin because its symptoms often mimic those associated with eczema or seborrheic dermatitis, making its diagnosis even harder. Furthermore, due to its visible surface appearance on black or dark skin patients, many doctors underestimate its impact which often leads to undertreatment or worsening of symptoms.
Treatment
Psoriasis symptoms typically follow a relapsing-remitting cycle; meaning periods without signs may pass before reappearing suddenly. Treatment from your dermatologist could provide much-needed relief.
But, it is essential that Black people or those with darker skin visit a dermatologist experienced in treating psoriasis. Because its manifestation can differ depending on skin tone; on lighter-toned individuals it may appear red while darker complexioned individuals could experience salmon-colored or even dark brown lesions.
Due to a lack of understanding among many doctors regarding what psoriasis looks like on people of darker pigmentation, it may be difficult to diagnose and treat.
Therefore, it is crucial for people of color with psoriasis to seek appropriate medical help and advocate for it themselves. There are various treatments available such as topical medications or light therapy which involve sitting in a special light box twice or three times every week for light therapy purposes.
Management
People of color living with psoriasis face specific challenges when it comes to its treatment and recurrence, with less effective medications and potentially worse complications such as dark spots or hypopigmentation post treatment.
Though psoriasis cannot be cured, there are multiple treatment options to manage its symptoms. From topical creams or oral medication to phototherapy and biologic medication, patients have plenty of management strategies at their disposal to combat its occurrence. Bleaching creams may also help lighten any discoloration that arises once it has cleared; however this should never be done without first consulting with their dermatologist first.
Finding a dermatologist familiar with treating people of Color with psoriasis is vitally important, according to research that indicates differences in appearance may lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of this disease in Black individuals.
Furthermore, access to quality healthcare must also be advocated for; including appropriate health insurance as well as specialists that can tailor care specifically towards you needs. Psoriasis symptoms can be controlled through regular skincare practices like using sunscreen daily as well as taking vitamin D supplements.
Prevention
Psoriasis affects millions of people worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment are especially essential for individuals with black or dark skin as psoriasis often looks different on darker skin tones than its appearance on white ones, leading to misdiagnosis as dermatitis, eczema or other conditions.
People with black or dark skin tend to develop thicker plaques that are harder to treat than those on lighter skin, necessitating more potency medications or frequent treatments in order to clear their complexions.
Doctors should pay careful attention and ask patients with Black or dark skin about any suspicious rashes they notice, particularly those afflicted by Psoriasis.
Furthermore, they must recognize that Black and Latino patients may require different care for a better outcome from their condition; research showed 93 percent of main characters featured in TV or print advertisements about Psoriasis were white; this unfortunate statistic could be corrected if all dermatologists became more knowledgeable of how it looks when present on various skin tones.
How Psoriasis on Black Skin Differs from Other Skin Conditions
Appearance and Location: Psoriasis on black skin often presents as purple, violet, or dark brown lesions with gray scales. The patches can be more widespread and commonly occur on the scalp, elbows, knees, and back.
Diagnosis Challenges: Diagnosing psoriasis on black skin can be difficult as it may resemble other skin disorders more common in Black people. Dermatologists rely on physical examinations, questioning about lesions and family history, and sometimes perform skin biopsies to confirm the diagnosis.
Skin Color Differences: Psoriasis on black skin can appear differently due to the higher melanin content. It may be violet or dark brown and harder to detect compared to red or pink patches on fair skin. Discoloration may also persist after healing.
What Are the Challenges in Diagnosing Psoriasis on Black Skin
Similar Features with Other Disorders: Overlapping features with other papulosquamous disorders can make diagnosing psoriasis on black skin challenging, as they share common characteristics and have less conspicuous erythema.
Appearance: Psoriasis on black skin appears as dark patches with gray scales, which can be difficult to differentiate from other conditions due to their color and widespread nature.
Less Conspicuous Erythema: Erythema, or redness, may be less noticeable on darker skin, making it harder to diagnose psoriasis based on this symptom.
Lack of Awareness: A lack of awareness among healthcare providers may lead to underdiagnosis of psoriasis on black skin.
How Does Psoriasis Affect Quality of Life for People of Color
Psychosocial Burden: Psoriasis can have a greater psychosocial burden and significantly impair the quality of life for people of color. Studies have shown higher rates of impact on quality of life among minorities compared to Caucasian individuals.
Emotional Impact: People of color with psoriasis may experience feelings of self-consciousness, embarrassment, anger, frustration, and helplessness, further affecting their quality of life.
Undertreatment: Research indicates that undertreatment is common among psoriasis patients, with racial/ethnic minority patients being disproportionately affected. Some patients may receive only topical medications or no treatment at all, and awareness of effective treatments may be lower among Black patients.
Isolation: Lack of awareness and understanding of psoriasis within their communities can lead to feelings of isolation and embarrassment among people of color with the condition.
Addressing the Impact on People of Color with Psoriasis
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by people of color with psoriasis is crucial. Providing appropriate treatment options and increasing awareness can significantly improve their quality of life.
