Patient Buzz: Skin Bias in Dermatology
The New York Times is one of several major publications that have recently covered skin bias in dermatology. Is this coverage helpful or hurtful to the specialty? How can individual dermatologists make a difference in reducing disparities in care?
For their take, I reached out to Tiffany T. Mayo, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Theodore Ros …
The New York Times is one of several major publications that have recently covered skin bias in dermatology. Is this coverage helpful or hurtful to the specialty? How can individual dermatologists make a difference in reducing disparities in care?
For their take, I reached out to Tiffany T. Mayo, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Theodore Ros … 
Let us set the tone. Dr. Vivian Shi makes it clear. The goal is not to remove or replace prescription medications completely and “go all-natural”. What we are trying to do is provide evidence-based data to complement conventional therapy. We want what people are doing, to work. The goal is to empower our patients to strategically find a diet toolbox that works for their particular skin type an … 
The topic of disparities in the dermatologic care of skin of color is now receiving national attention in the consumer press. Articles in this month’s Patient Buzz address questions, including: Is skin bias in dermatology endangering people of color? Why are dermatology images not more diverse? What should Black patients know before their next dermatology visit?
Don’t be caught off guard wi … 
Seventeen recently wrote an article sharing skin care advice dermatologists give their own teens.
For expert advice on how to counsel teens in caring for their skin, I consulted dermatologist Candrice Heath, MD, assistant professor at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. Dr. Heath is board-certified in dermatology, pediatrics, and pediatric dermatology.
What are the most impo … 
When we think about skin, a few things come to mind: protection, temperature regulation, sensation. However, there is growing interest in the microbiome of the skin. Our skin flora can be likened to an invisible ecosystem. Similar to fingerprints, it is unique to each individual. The complexity of the skin microbiome is continuing to be researched. This research is paving the way to improve our un …