Skin of Color
Dermatology
We all have skin, and some skin comes in different colors and textures that depend on a person’s ethnicity.
Dr. Cadmus is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the Skin of Color Society.
During her career, she has completed research, publications, presentations and spent a summer in Ghana exploring skin of color and tropical dermatology. Her professional interests include general medical dermatology, surgical dermatology, skin of color, and cosmetics.
Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a skin condition that causes one or more areas of skin to darken and thicken. Often the skin with AN feels like velvet. People who get this skin condition sometimes mistakenly believe that a dye or something else they touched has discolored their skin. They try scrubbing away the discoloration. Vigorous scrubbing will not get rid of AN. Acanthosis nigricans is not contagious. It is not harmful.
Sometimes, it is a warning sign of a health problem that requires medical attention. For this reason, it is important to see a dermatologist if you notice an area of darker, thicker skin.
A keloid is a type of raised scar. Unlike other raised scars, keloids grow much larger than the wound that caused the scar.
People of all colors, including those with brown and black skin, get skin cancer. Even if you never sunburn, you can get skin cancer.
When skin cancer develops in people of color, it’s often in a late stage when diagnosed. This can be deadly when the person has melanoma, a type of skin cancer that can spread quickly. Treatment for any type of skin cancer can be difficult in the late stages.
The good news is you can find skin cancer early. Found early, most skin cancers, including melanoma, can be cured.
Vitiligo is a disease that causes areas of skin to lose color, resulting in spots and patches of lighter skin. Some people develop a few spots. Others have more widespread color loss.
