10 Most Common Black Skin Conditions and their treatment
Black Skin Conditions and their treatment
Skin appears in a wide spectrum of tones, each carrying its own distinct characteristics and requirements for care.
While most skin conditions can affect individuals of all skin types, common skin conditions in dark skin—affecting individuals of African, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Middle Eastern descent, or those of mixed heritage—may present more frequently, with greater severity, or in distinctive ways.
As dermatologists, we understand that individuals with darker skin tones have a unique set of skin concerns due to genetics and cultural practices. These differences often necessitate specialized treatments tailored to their specific needs, setting them apart from the approaches used for those with lighter skin.
1. Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra
Hyperpigmented papules on the neck and face – Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN) close-up image showcasing dark papules commonly seen on darker skin tones.
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2. Acanthosis Nigricans
Thickened, darkened patches of skin on the neck caused by Acanthosis Nigricans, a common skin condition linked to insulin resistance.
Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder characterised by darkening (hyperpigmentation) and thickening (hyperkeratosis) of the skin, occurring mainly in the folds of the skin in the armpit (axilla), groin and back of the neck.
Thickened brown velvety textured patches of skin that may occur in any location but most commonly appear in the folds of the skin in the armpit, groin and back of the neck. While they appear mostly in people who are obese or with diabetes, darker skin is also a risk factor.
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3. Traction Alopecia in Dark Skin
Traction Alopecia in Dark Skin: Hairline thinning and scalp irritation caused by prolonged tension from tight hairstyles, commonly seen in textured hair types.
Traction alopecia is a form of acquired hair loss that results from prolonged or repetitive tension on the scalp hair. It was first described in 1907 in subjects from Greenland who had developed hair loss along the hairline due to prolonged wearing of tight ponytails.
Alopecia due to traction can be caused by regularly wearing tight chignon, cornrows, dreadlocks, weaves and braids. Also using hair extensions, chemical relaxers, and rollers.
4. Acne Keloidalis Nuchae in Dark Skin
Acne Keloidalis Nuchae in Dark Skin: Persistent bumps and keloid-like lesions at the nape of the neck, common in darker skin tones due to inflammation of hair follicles.
Acne Keloidalis Nuchae (AKN) is an unusual form of folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicle unit) and cicatrical alopecia (scarring hair loss) that affects the nape of the neck. The condition may persist for many years.
5. Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (as known as razor bumps) in Dark Skin
Pseudofolliculitis Barbae in Dark Skin: Razor bumps caused by ingrown hairs on the face, often seen in darker skin tones due to coarser, curly hair.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a foreign-body inflammatory reaction surrounding ingrown facial hairs, which results from shaving. It can also occur on any body site where hair is shaved or plucked, including axilla, pubic area, and legs.
It is also known as shaving rash or razor bumps. Prevalence of folliculitis barbae and pseudofolliculitis barbae is higher among males of African ancestry than among Caucasian men. Both disorders can also affect women of all races. They are associated with improper shaving practices.
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6. Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Dark Skin
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Dark Skin: Darkened patches or spots resulting from skin inflammation or injury, commonly affecting individuals with darker skin tones.
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation is temporary pigmentation that follows injury (e.g. thermal burn) or inflammatory disorder of the skin (e.g. dermatitis, infection). It is mostly observed in darker skin types.
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur in anyone, but is more common in darker-skinned individuals, in whom the colour tends to be more intense and persist for a longer period than in lighter skin colours.
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7. Confluent of Reticulated Papillomatosis (as known as Gougerot-Carteaud Syndrome) in Dark Skin
Gougerot-Carteaud Syndrome in Dark Skin: Patchy hyperpigmentation on the upper trunk, commonly seen in darker skin tones, often linked to keratosis.
Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis (CRP) is a rare condition of the skin characterized by chronic scaling, brown patches and plaques that affect the neck and upper trunk. No risk factors for Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis have been identified. The condition is mostly seen in older children, teens, and young adults.
The exact cause of this condition is also unknown. However, several potential causes, such as hormonal imbalance and bacterial infections, have been proposed to explain Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis. The prognosis of the disorder is good, with appropriate topical and/or antimicrobial treatment.
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8. Melasma in Dark Skin
Melasma in Dark Skin: Symmetrical hyperpigmentation on the face, commonly affecting the cheeks, upper lip, and forehead, often triggered by hormonal changes and sun exposure.
Melasma is a chronic skin disorder that results in symmetrical, blotchy, brownish facial pigmentation. It can lead to considerable embarrassment and distress. Melasma is more common in women than in men; only 1-in-4 to 1-in-20 affected individuals are male, depending on the population studied.
It generally starts between the age of 20 and 40 years, but it can begin in childhood or not until middle age. Melasma is more common in people that tan well or have naturally brown skin compared with those who have fair skin or black skin.
9. Keloids in Dark Skin
Keloids in Dark Skin: Raised, overgrown scar tissue on the ear lobe, characterized by thick, smooth, and irregular formations often resulting from skin trauma or piercings.
Keloid scars are firm, smooth, hard growths due to spontaneous scar formation. They can arise soon after an injury, or develop months later. Keloids may be uncomfortable or itchy, and may be much larger than the original wound.
Keloids may form on any part of the body, although the upper chest and shoulders are especially prone to them.The precise reason that wound healing sometimes leads to keloid unclear.While most people never form keloids, others develop them after minor injuries, burns, insect bites and acne spots. They are most common in black skin and Asian skin.
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10. Vitiligo in Dark Skin
Vitiligo in Dark Skin: Characterized by irregular white patches on the chest, arms, and hands, caused by the loss of melanin-producing cells, creating a stark contrast with darker skin tones.
Vitiligo is an acquired depigmenting disorder of the skin, in which pigment cells (melanocytes) are lost. It presents with well-defined milky-white patches of skin (leukoderma).
Vitiligo can be cosmetically very disabling, particularly in people with dark skin. The disorder affects all races and both sexes equally. However, it is more noticeable in people with darker skin.
References
First Derm ensures the highest quality and accuracy in our articles by using reliable sources. We draw from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and reputable medical journals. We strictly avoid tertiary references, linking to primary sources such as scientific studies and statistics.
- Xiao A, Muse ME, Ettefagh L. Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Updated August 7, 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534205/.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Skin Diseases and Conditions in Darker Skin Tones. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/darker-skin/diseases. Accessed November 24, 2024.
- Pulickal JK, Kaliyadan F. Traction Alopecia. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Updated August 8, 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470434/.
- Kelly AP, Serrano AMA. Pseudofolliculitis barbae. In: Taylor SC, Kelly AP, eds. Taylor and Kelly’s Dermatology for Skin of Color. 2nd ed. McGraw Hill; 2016:264-284.
- Ngan V. Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis. DermNet NZ. Updated April 2018. Available at: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/confluent-and-reticulated-papillomatosis. Accessed November 22, 2024.
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Dr. A. Geronimo Jones
General/Cosmetic Dermatologist
The Specialist doctor from the University Hospital in Gothenburg, alumnus UC Berkeley. My doctoral dissertation is about Digital Health and I have published 5 scientific articles in teledermatology and artificial intelligence and others.
