Common Skin Conditions Affecting People of Color

People of color can be affected by skin conditions and diseases that are found more commonly within people of their ethnicity. In order cases, people of color may experience common conditions that manifest in different ways due to their skin type.

Some examples of skin conditions that affect people of color differently include:

Melasma is a chronic skin disorder that results in symmetrical, blotchy, brownish facial pigmentation. This condition often leads to considerable embarrassment and distress. Melasma is more common in people that tan well or have naturally brown skin (such as those with Mediterranean heritage) compared with those who have fair skin or black skin.

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation is temporary pigmentation that follows injury or inflammatory disorder of the skin. People of color are most commonly affected by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. While post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can happen to anyone, it is more common in darker-skinned individuals, in whom the discoloration tends to be more intense and persist for a longer period than in lighter skin colors.

Acne Keloidalis Nuchae (AKN) is a long-lasting form of folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicle unit) and cicatricial alopecia (scarring hair loss) that affects the nape of the neck. This condition is more likely to develop in dark-skinned people, most commonly affecting adult Afro-Caribbean males with curly hair.

Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that develops as a result of prolonged tension on the scalp hair. Alopecia due to traction can be caused by regularly wearing a tight chignon, cornrows, dreadlocks, weaves, and braids. Using hair extensions, chemical relaxers, and rollers can also cause traction alopecia to develop.

Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a noncancerous skin condition that is among African Americans. This condition is characterized by numerous, small, hyperpigmented, asymptomatic papules on the face. DPN ‘s usually develops on darker skin as multiple small black and brown papules. While it mostly affects African Americans, dark-skinned Asians and Polynesians are can also be at risk.

Vitiligo is a skin condition that affects the pigment-causing cells of the skin. With this condition, people experience a loss of skin color as clearly-defined white patches emerge. In people of color, this condition can be distressing and much more noticeable.

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Leave your skincare to the experts. People of color deserve specialized treatment to ensure that their skin is treated uniquely to best care for common cosmetic and medical dermatological concerns. If you would like to experience premier dermatological care to achieve beautiful and healthy skin, please schedule your appointment with Dr. Ip today.

Cysts are a common and typically benign skin condition. That doesn’t mean that you should live with a cyst, though, especially since they can increase in size or become uncomfortable over time. A cyst removal procedure is often all that’s needed to solve this common concern.

What Cyst Removal Treats

Cyst removal is a straight-forward procedure designed to remove a cyst from the skin. Depending on the location of the cyst, such as whether or not it’s on an internal organ or just underneath the surface of your skin, cyst removal may be a small procedure or a more major surgery.

In the case of cysts that are close to the skin’s surface, cyst removal will not only remove the cyst itself, but it will also close the pocket and completely remove the lumpy appearance that cysts can create underneath clothing.

Who Should Get a Cyst Removed?

For some people, cysts develop on visible parts of the body and this can cause them to become insecure or uncomfortable about showing that area of their body. Sometimes, the location of the cyst itself causes discomfort, such as if the cyst grows on your hands or armpit.

In other cases, cysts may grow in size and become painful or tender to the touch.

If this any of these points sound similar to your situation, it may be time to schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist who can diagnose your cyst and safely remove it.

What to Expect from Your Cyst Removal Procedure

Cyst removal is a relatively straight-forward and quick procedure. The area where the cyst is located will be numbed and the dermatologist will them crease an incision through which they can view the cyst and remove it.

In most cases, cysts can be removed in one piece since they are contained within a hardy sac. However, some people may have a cyst that bursts. This means that the area will need to be cleaned and checked for any remaining pieces of the cyst prior to closing.

After just a few stitches, you will be well on your way to recovery following a cyst removal!

All About the Recovery Time and Results from Cyst Removal

Though some cyst removal procedures are considered major surgeries, such as the removal of ovarian cysts, many of the cysts that are removed in a dermatologist’s office are not in this category.

Recovery from a cyst removal may range from a few days to a few weeks as the internal area where the cyst was located heals and as the incision closes.

For many people, removing the cyst is enough to solve the problem and prevent it from recurring in the future.

Why Dr. Ip Recommends Cyst Removal

If you have developed a cyst that is large, painful, located in a sensitive area, or if it causing you to develop confidence problems, Dr. Ip recommends a cyst removal.

Cysts are typically benign and contain biological matter and fluids within a self-contained sac. This makes removing them a simple procedure that can yield fantastic aesthetic results, making it a highly recommended option for many.

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Leave your skincare to the experts. To learn more about how cyst removal works, make sure you work with a board-certified dermatologist. If you would like to experience premier dermatological care to achieve beautiful and healthy skin, please schedule your appointment with Dr. Ip today.

Who Can Develop Skin Cancer?

Anyone can develop skin cancer, including people of color and people without a family history of cancer. This is why it is so important that everyone take care of their skin by wearing sun protection. In fact, it is part of Vibrant Dermatology’s mission to ensure that everyone can enjoy healthy and beautiful skin through the use of sun protection and by working with a highly-qualified dermatologist to frequently check the skin for signs of cancer.

Patients who have are repeatedly exposed to UV lights, are immunocompromised, have numerous skin growths, and a family history of malignant melanoma are all at higher risk of skin cancer. Additionally, individuals who have experienced severe sunburns that peel are immediately more prone to skin cancers.

Common Types of Skin Cancer

There are many types of skin cancer, but the fact remains that skin cancer is one of the most easily treatable forms of cancer with high success rates if it is caught early. Common types of skin cancer include:

Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that develops within the basal cells of the skin. This type of cancer may grow slowly and tend to appear after years of sun exposure. Most commonly, basal cell carcinoma will appear as a light-colored, waxy lump or as a brown and scaly patch on the face and neck.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer, and it originates within the squamous cells of the skin. This type of cancer is typically caused by sun exposure from tanning beds or the sun’s UV rays. Squamous cell carcinoma may look like a dark, scaly patch. It may also bleed or have an open sore as well as a crusty surface.

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, and it develops within melanocytes – the pigment-producing cells of the skin. Melanoma can develop off of, or near, an existing mole anywhere on the body.

Causes of Skin Cancer

While exposure to the sun and the use of tanning beds is a common cause of skin cancer, there are other factors at play as well.

Genetics play a major role in how likely a person is to develop skin cancer. Those with family histories of skin cancer should schedule regular, full-body skin exams even if they do not have many dark spots or have not seen anything develop on their skin. Additionally, individuals with over 50 moles, or people who have congenital nevi, should also schedule skin exams for the same reason.

Treatment Options for Skin Cancer

Overwhelmingly, prevention and early detection are the best treatment for skin cancer.

Dr. Ip encourages all patients to perform self-exams frequently in between annual full-body skin exams by a dermatologist. If you ever notice anything suspicious, schedule an appointment for a professional examination to determine the cause of the new change in your skin.

When caught early, treating skin cancer is as easy as removing the cancerous growth. During this outpatient procedure, you will be numbed and the cancerous area will be excised. This includes removing a healthy margin of skin to try and better remove all possible affected cells.

If skin cancer isn’t caught until an advanced stage, more serious treatment may be needed. First, you will undergo testing to find out whether or not the cancer has spread to other areas of your body – including your internal organs and bones. Treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation may also be necessary.

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Leave your skincare to the experts. Skin cancer is a very serious and sometimes life-threatening condition. When it is caught early, treatment is highly successful – so make sure you are regularly checking your skin and schedule appointments with a dermatologist to check in on the health of your skin. If you would like to experience premier dermatological care to achieve beautiful and healthy skin, please schedule your appointment with Dr. Ip today.

Who Can Develop Rosacea?

Men and women, as well as children and teens, can develop rosacea. This condition most commonly appears during childhood and many people with rosacea tend to notice that they blush more easily, frequently, and noticeably than others early on.

While both men and women Remove Rosacea Facial Redness, women are slightly more prone to develop this condition. Men, however, tend to experience more severe types of rosacea.

Another common myth is that only people with fair skin can develop rosacea. This is not the case as people of color can also experience rosacea. Unfortunately, rosacea is often an overlooked condition for those with darker skin tones.

Since, without medical treatment, rosacea can spread and worsen over time. This is why it is key for men, women, and children of all backgrounds to seek high-quality care from a dermatologist who has expertise with all skin types.

Types of Rosacea – Remove Rosacea Facial Redness

There are several different types of rosacea. This condition can vary in symptoms and severity, making a correct diagnosis and individualized treatment plan all the more important in order to properly handle this frustrating condition.

Telangiectatic Rosacea is the most common type of rosacea that causes facial redness. With this type of rosacea, redness and visible blood vessels are more prominent on the cheeks and around the nose.

Papulopustular Rosacea is a type of rosacea that is often mistaken for acne without any whiteheads or blackheads. With this variety of rosacea, facial redness and swelling are also prominent.

Rhinophyma is a type of rosacea that is characterized by a large, bulbous ruddy nose. Mostly experienced by older men, this variety of rosacea can cause deformities of the face if left untreated.

Perioral Dermatitis is a variant of rosacea that causes red bumps and pustules to develop around the mouth and corners of the nose.

Ocular rosacea refers to a rare type of rosacea that affects the eyes. People with this condition may have red eyes and experience burning and additional sensitivity to light.

What Causes Rosacea?

With rosacea, much like other skin reactions, it can be difficult to pinpoint an exact cause. This makes it extra important to monitor your flare-ups and note what could potentially have caused it. Knowing as much as you can about the triggers of your rosacea flares is extremely important when creating a treatment plan for your condition.

Some individuals may be more prone to rosacea due to abnormalities in the blood vessels around and on their face. Additionally, those with a family history of rosacea or those who have fairer skin may be at a higher risk for developing rosacea. In certain studies, individuals with rosacea have a higher number of Demodex folliculorum, a microscope mite that we all have on our skin, though it is unknown how closely related an overpopulation of these mites and rosacea are.

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Leave your skincare to the experts. Rosacea is a frustrating skin condition that is a cosmetic concern for many men and women, but it may also cause discomfort that can be helped with professional care. If you would like to experience premier dermatological care to achieve beautiful and healthy skin, please schedule your appointment with Dr. Ip today.

Who Can Develop Melasma?

Though men can and do experience melasma, this skin condition is most commonly seen in women.

Often appearing around the face and on other areas that get a lot of sun exposure, melasma can also develop as a result of hormonal changes. Pregnancy and ceasing birth control, for example, can often cause women to develop melasma.

Sun damage is often a cause of melasma as well, which is commonly the reason that men develop this condition as well.

Types of Melasma

There are several types of melasma, each affecting different areas of the body. Since this condition typically affects facial skin, diagnosing melasma is based on the area it is affecting.

Centrofacial Melasma refers to discoloration that occurs around the center of the face. This is the most commonly diagnosed type of melasma since it appears across the forehead, nose, and upper lip and nowhere else.

Malar Melasma is the type of melasma where discoloration is restricted to the cheeks and nowhere else.

Mandibular Melasma refers to discoloration that only occurs along the jawline and chin.

“The Mask of Pregnancy” is a type of melasma commonly seen in pregnant women. In fact, it occurs in over 50% of pregnant women as a result of the fluctuations in their hormones. Like others diagnosed with melasma, pregnant women commonly develop discoloration on their face.

What Causes Melasma?

Overwhelmingly, sun exposure is the cause of melasma. For the same reason we develop a tan after being out in the sun, melasma is caused by the skin’s melanocytes producing excess melanin. Like other types of hyperpigmentation, melasma worsens and becomes darker with additional sun exposure.

Hormonal changes from pregnancy, birth control, and other conditions can also contribute to melasma developing. This is why women are more likely to develop melasma than men.

Interestingly, any type of visible light can contribute to the development of melasma. This includes the light from computer screens and the lamp in your office! Exposure to heat can also contribute to melasma, so it is important to reduce your use of hair dryers, heating lamps, and heating pads.

Another cause of melasma that many people overlook has nothing to do with light or hormones at all. In some cases, melasma can actually be caused by scented deodorant, soaps, toiletries, cosmetics, and perfumes! Melasma from these products is caused by what is known as a phototoxic reaction.

Treatment Options for Melasma

To best prevent and treat melasma, make sure that you are using a daily sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 30 or higher. Regardless of your skin tone, or the time of year, it is important to use a sunscreen daily to try and prevent discoloration and cancer from developing.

People who have been diagnosed with melasma should also consider using alternative birth control methods and different types of skin products to try and avoid worsening discoloration in their skin.

Most popularly, melasma is treated with a topical bleaching cream that consists of hydroquinone, a mild corticosteroid, and a retinoid. Those who are undergoing this type of treatment should only do so under the supervision of a professional.

At Vibrant Dermatology, we are proud to offer cutting edge laser treatments, such as the Aerolase laser, to drastically improve the appearance of melasma. We also offer customized chemical peels and other skin care products help keep melasma under control.

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Leave your skincare to the experts. Melasma is a frustrating skin condition that is a cosmetic concern for many men and women, but it may also point to other medical conditions that require expert treatment. If you would like to experience premier dermatological care to achieve beautiful and healthy skin, please schedule your appointment with Dr. Ip today.

Who Can Develop Keloids

Anyone who experiences an injury to their skin, whether that is a surgical incision that is carefully sutured or an accidental laceration, can develop a keloid as a result. Keloids are a distinct type of scar, marked by an overgrowth of proteins during the healing process, making it a condition that men and women of all ages and ethnicities.

However, keloids are more likely to develop on individuals with African descent and those of Mediterranean ancestry.

What Causes Keloids?

Unfortunately, the medical community has not found the precise reason why healing wounds can sometimes develop into keloids. The same person may experience some “normal” scars and keloids, making it even more difficult to pinpoint a cause.

However, we do know that keloids form as a result of the body creating excessive proteins during the healing process. Instead of forming a uniform, flat scar that can lighten over time, these excessive proteins create large, bulbous scars that are uneven, dark, and may continue to grow over time.

The majority of people will never form keloids on their skin, but some people may develop them after small injuries, burns, acne spots, and insect bites.

Treatment Options for Keloids

Keloids may return after they have been removed professionally since the body “restarts” the scarring process in order to heal the wound where the removed keloid was. This is a frustrating problem that leads many individuals to avoid treatment for their scar. This is why it’s imperative to see a dermatologist. Your dermatologist will review the treatment options for keloids and develop a plan to improve the appearance of keloids.

Treatments such as using silicone scar sheets, pressure dressings (or pressure earrings when lesions are present on the ears), surgical excision followed by radiation or local injection of a corticosteroid, intralesional corticosteroid injection repeated monthly until the keloid is flattened, intralesional 5-FU, cryotherapy (freezing) and laser treatments can all help the appearance of a keloid.

It is important to see a specialist when seeking treatment for a keloid. Because they may return following removal, it is important that keloids are managed by a board-certified dermatologist.

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Leave your skincare to the experts. Though keloids are a type of scar, they can become uncomfortable and large as well as a cause of insecurity. If you would like to experience premier dermatological care to achieve beautiful and healthy skin, please schedule your appointment with Dr. Ip today.

Who Can Experience Hair Loss?

While many people think of hair loss, thinning, and balding as a problem only experienced by men, women commonly experience hair loss as well. Children may also experience thinning or balding as well.

People of color can experience hair loss as a result of genetic conditions, their overall health, and traction alopecia.

Types of Hair Loss

Not all hair loss is the same, and there are a wide variety of reasons why an individual may experience hair loss. Similarly, people may notice patches on their scalp that are suddenly bald while others may slowly notice that more of their scalp is showing through their hair. For this reason, it is important to see a dermatologist with specialized training in treating hair loss, like Dr. Ip, in order to get an accurate diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan.

Androgenetic Alopecia (Genetic Hair Loss) is also known as male and female pattern baldness, or hereditary hair loss. In men, androgenetic alopecia tends to appear as a receeding hairline or bald patches, especially on the top of the head. Women, on the other hand, tend to keep their hairline while seeing noticeably thinning hair, with the first sign of hair loss for many women is a widening part.

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease that affects the hair. Loss of hair from this condition happens when the immune system attacks the hair follicles. This condition can occur at any age, though it is often first noticible during childhood. Unlike other types of hair loss, people with alopecia areata experience patchy hair loss that begins with coin-sized, round, smooth, bare patches where hair once was.

Telogen Effluvium is a form of temporary hair loss characterized by diffuse hair shedding. Emotional and physiological stress is one of the main causes of this condition, though some medications can also cause it. Some of the most common causes of this type of hair loss include rapid weight loss, childbirth, high fevers, medical procedures, nutritional deficiencies, eating disorders, and stress.

Traction Alopecia is hair loss that happens as a result of consistent pulling on the hair, such as when people wear tight ponytails or braids. It is very common in African American women and in those who wear hair extensions. During the beginning stage of traction alopecia, you may have red bumps or flaking of the scalp. There may also be small, short, broken hairs in this area. Eventually, if the tension on the hair is not removed, this will result in a recession of the hairline or part line with permanent hair loss

Causes of Hair Loss

There are many reasons that someone can experience hair loss. Everything from stress, genetics, and underlying health issues within the body can cause hair loss.

There are a number of medical conditions that can result in the body shedding hair at an excessive speed. For example, hypothyroidism and anemia can both cause hair loss. These conditions require attention from a medical doctor, but, thankfully, hair shedding or loss can be reversed once the condition is under control.

Treatment Options for Hair Loss

Treatments for hair loss are specific to the type of hair loss you are experiencing, Depending on your diagnosis, treatment for hair loss can range from a supplement regimen to oral medications.

Since simply looking at the scalp may not be enough to diagnose the cause of hair loss, blood work and scalp biopsies may be required.

Thankfully, we now have many options to treat hair loss. At Vibrant Dermatology, we will develop a comprehensive treatment plan for you that can include topical and oral supplements and medications or Scalp injections of cortisone. We also offer cutting-edge Platelet Rich Plasma treatments that use your own stem cells to stimulate hair growth, as well as laser light treatments.

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Leave your skincare to the experts. Hair loss is a frustrating condition that can affect your confidence and may be a symptom of a more serious medical condition. If you would like to experience premier dermatological care to achieve beautiful and healthy skin, please schedule your appointment with Dr. Ip today.

More Cosmetic Services

Who Can Develop Cysts?

Almost anyone can develop a cyst. However, people with certain genetic conditions, infections, chronic inflammation, blocked ducts, parasites, and injuries are more likely to develop cysts over time.

Women with PCOS, for example, are prone to developing ovarian cysts. Teens with chronic acne are predisposed to developing cysts as a result of clogged pores and inflammation. Individuals who travel to other countries may also develop a cyst as their body attempts to encapsulate a parasite.

Types of Cysts

Cysts can occur on anywhere on the body and they can range drastically in size. Depending on their location, however, they may be called different names in order to best support a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.

If a cyst appears on the scalp, it is known as a pilar cyst. Cysts on the ovaries are known as ovarian cysts. When individuals with acne develop cysts in areas where breakouts are, these are known as cystic acne. If someone develops a cyst as a result of a blocked gland or duct, these are known as sebaceous cysts.

Another common type of cyst that most commonly affects the face is known as a milia. These are exceptionally small epidermoid cysts that look like tiny white or yellow bumps on the face. Many men, women, and teens first encounter a milia and believe that they are whiteheads. However, when someone tries to “pop” them, they will find it exceptionally hard to remove a milia without damaging the rest of their skin – which is one reason why Dr. Ip strongly discourages patients from trying to extract anything on their own. And, though they often stay small, many patients prefer to milia removed for cosmetic reasons.

What Causes Cysts?

The development of a cyst occurs in response to inflammation or as the body’s reaction to a foreign object or infection. In some cases, cysts can even develop as a result of clogged oil glands or pores, leading to cystic acne.

In general, cysts can be thought of as a natural way for a body to section off something that shouldn’t be there. However, cysts can also occur as an “overreaction” to hormones and other stimuli.

Treatment Options for Cysts

Since cysts tend to contain biological matter, they can easily become inflamed or infected. As a result of trauma or internal pressure, the contents of a cyst can rupture into the surrounding area. Cysts can also be red, swollen, and painful to the touch.

In many cases, removing the cyst is best for medical and cosmetic reasons. In the case of cysts that occur near the surface of the skin, removal is an easy process.

During a quick, outpatient procedure that often occurs right in your dermatologist’s office, your dermatologist will numb the area and remove the cyst. If the cyst has ruptured, your doctor will take the time to clear the area and remove all remnants.

Depending on the size of the cyst, your dermatologist may also close the area with small stitches to try and prevent a cyst from forming there in the future.

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Leave your skincare to the experts. Cysts are a common skin condition that should be treated by a professional to ensure that they do not worsen and that they are not linked to a more serious medical condition. If you would like to experience premier dermatological care to achieve beautiful and healthy skin, please schedule your appointment with Dr. Ip today.