3% OF ALL DERMATOLOGISTS IN THE USA ARE OF AFRICAN DESCENT
BACKGROUND
DERMATOLOGIST
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Dermatologists are medical doctors with specialization and expertise in the diagnosis and management of skin, hair, and nail diseases.
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Dermatologists use skin disease to diagnose a plethora of systemic medical conditions (e.g. systemic lupus erythematous, cancer, hormonal imbalances, diabetes).
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Dermatologists perform a wide range of procedures including but not limited to cosmetic enhancements and skin cancer surgeries.
INTRODUCTION
BLACK DERMATOLOGIST
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Several studies have identified a trend suggesting Eatients may be more satisfied and favorable health care outcomes with physicians who look like them (3).
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One study of 200 black women demonstrated that 68% of the patients did not think their physician understood their hair (4)
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Studies have shown that Black and Hispanic physicians are more likely to care for racial minorities and uninsured patients (5, 6). Thus helping to reduce health disparities (7).
BLACK DERMATOLOGIST
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Aproximately 3% of practicin dermato\ogists are Black or African American (1). However, African Americans comprise 13% of the United States population (2).
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Many dermatologists from various backgrounds work diligently and successfully to provide culturally sensitive care.
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The desire for black dermatologists expressed by some black patients is evident in research data, media, and anecdotal reports.
SCIENCE OF DARK SKIN
PIGMENT
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There are NO racial differences in the number of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes).
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People with darker skin tones tend to show larger, denser, and more dispersed pigment storage unit (melanosome) within the top layer of the skin (epidermis).
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Patients with darker skin types tend to have less skin cancer, fewer signs of aging, increased conditions with dark marks.
SCARRING
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Patients of African descent have been shown to have larger scar producing cells (fibroblasts) which leads to greater scar and keloid formation compared to white patients.
SCIENCE OF AFRO-HAIR
SHAPE
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There are NO racial differences in the number of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes).
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People with darker skin tones tend to show larger, denser, and more dispersed pigment storage unit (melanosome) within the top layer of the skin (epidermis).
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Patients with darker skin types tend to have less skin cancer, fewer signs of aging, increased conditions with dark marks.
STRENGTH
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Patients of African descent have been shown to have larger scar producing cells (fibroblasts) which leads to greater scar and keloid formation compared to white patients.
SEBACEUOUS (OIL) GLANDS
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Uneven distribution of sebum from root to tip resulting in dryer hair
GROWHT RATE
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Slower
