Disparities in dermatology educational resources

Abstract

Patients with dark skin can present with morphologic variants, subtle disease presentations, and disease manifestations requiring unique management and therapies. With African Americans, Asians, and Hispanic Americans becoming a significant portion of the population, dermatologists must be able to diagnose and manage skin conditions in people of color. In this study, core dermatology educational sources were examined to determine if they provide dermatologists and trainees with the knowledge base necessary to diagnose and treat skin disease in the ethnic patient. Overall, the coverage of dark skin at national meetings and in photographs in the major dermatology resources is limited and variable. More consistent photographic coverage and textual information describing common and serious skin diseases in people of color should be incorporated into educational resources.