Heritage is Important in Skin of Color Dermatology and Cosmetic Treatment
For decades, doctors have faced common challenges when treating skin of color patients for cutaneous diseases and conditions that affect skin health, texture, and tone. One problem is that doctors fail to recognize the role that heritage plays in skin disease. Skin of Color is not just about people of African descent. Yet, treatment for skin disease and conditions remained was a one-size-fits-all application; that is, until now.
Positive Change for Positive Effects
Changes in how doctors treat skin of color patients begin by recognizing that there are differences. The world of humans is no longer homogenous it is a complex mix of heritages. That means that doctors who recognize the differences in heritable factors can take into account mixtures of ethnicity and develop the best treatment for unique people. By being cognitive of heritage, doctors can aim to choose products, therapies, and procedures that produce better results with fewer complications.
People with Skin of Color:
- Often have skin conditions and diseases that present symptoms that are not textbook perfect.
- Present different medical challenges when treating skin conditions and disease.
- Come from a wide variety of heritages
- Need to be sure to bring up their heritage with their doctor because different heritages contain different inherited risks for certain diseases including cancer.
- Are not always easy to recognize by sight.
- Include African, Asian, Hispanic and even Caucasia skin tones.
Bimatoprost for Repigmentation
Bimatoprost is a newer treatment used for repigmentation and showing promise for patients who have skin of color who suffer from vitiligo lesions. These splotches of discoloration have a profound psychological effect on people who have vitiligo lesions. A study, which appeared in the African Journal of Psychiatry in 2009, found that Vitiligo lesions have a ranged effect on people who suffer from them. The range extended from mild embarrassment to significant loss of self-confidence and included deep social anxiety.
Tests and Results
After generations of suffering, this potential new treatment is being accepted as a potential life changing treatment. Those patients who respond well to treatment may see a full repigmentation. In a study by Dr. Tarun Narang showed that out of a test population of ten people, 3 showed 100 percent repigmentation after four months of treatment. Three additional patients showed repigmentation between 75-99 percent. One patient showed improvement in the range of 50-75 percent. What Dr. Tarun Narang’s study shows is that results vary from one individual to the next, but that seven out of ten people show improvement with treatment.
P. Alexander Ataii M.D. understands how important heritage is when treating skin of color patients. He is recognized as a Vitals Top 10 Doctor in California. There is a whole range of treatments from chemical peels, photo rejuvenation and laser treatments that can help people with skin of color show off beautiful skin. The trick is to find a doctor who understands you and your unique skin.
New treatment for skin of color begins with understanding the unique properties of each patients skin. P. Alexander Ataii M.D. understand skin of color and helps to find the best treatment for your unique situation.
