American Academy of Dermatology: Acne and Rosacea Got You Seeing Red? Patients with Skin of Color Advised to Seek Proper Diagnosis, Treatment to Prevent Common Si...( CHICAGO July 30 /- By its very na...),Health

CHICAGO, July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- By its very nature, skin of color is considered sensitive skin by dermatologists who regularly treat darker-skinned patients for a wide range of skin problems. Acne and rosacea can be especially problematic skin conditions for people with skin of color, as any skin irritation in these patients can cause pigmentation problems that can result in the lightening or darkening of the skin.

At the American Academy of Dermatology's Summer Academy Meeting 2008 in Chicago, dermatologist Valerie D. Callender, MD, FAAD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C., discussed the importance of early intervention in treating acne and rosacea in patients with skin of color.

"As we become a more diverse population with lots of different skin types and tones, we also are seeing an increase in skin concerns that, while not new, are affecting more and more people with darker skin," said Dr. Callender. "Even skin conditions like acne and rosacea can create pigmentation problems in these patients, which can be very hard to treat. However, these problems can be improved by seeing a dermatologist who is trained to properly diagnose these conditions and to carefully consider a patient's potential risk of skin irritation."

Dr. Callender explained that people with skin of color have diverse ethnic backgrounds, which is why there is such a wide range of skin types. Those with pigmented skin include African-Americans, Asians, Hispanics/Latinos, Middle Easterners, and Native Indians.

Acne: Early and Aggressive Management is Key

While acne is considered the most common skin condition in the United States, there is no cure for this bothersome condition and problems can remain long after the pimples and pustules have cleared -- particularly in darker-skinned patients. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (commonly referred to as dark spots or blemishes) is a concern
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