The Challenges of Dark Skin and How Your Dermatologist Can Help You

While Dr. Mitchell has the training and professional expertise in treating all skin types, she also knows what it means to have black skin and the unique challenges diagnosing and treating people with skin of color can sometimes present.

Did you know skin trauma is the most common cause hyperpigmentation?

Dr. Mitchell consistently discusses this fact with her patients.

If you have a darker skin tone and you have had a pimple or insect bite disappear or even eczema or psoriasis that has cleared, it has likely left behind a deeply pigmented spot. This is a result of the trauma triggering pigment cells, which is more likely an issue for people with darker skin tones. Studies show that people with darker skin tones have larger and more sensitive melanosomes (contain melanin ) in their melanocytes which when activated by trauma – make people more prone to developing secondary hyperpigmentation. 

You May Be More Prone to Other Skin Conditions

Did you know darker skin types are more prones to some skin conditions?

Because of genetics, if you have darker, melanin-rich skin, you are at a higher risk for certain skin conditions. Issues such as keloids, hypertrophic scars, benign growths, and ashiness are common to dark-toned skin.

Keloids are more common in African Americans and Asians due to fibroblasts and collagen cells in the skin being more reactive. When fibroblasts and healing cells become overactive and the healing process does not appropriately end, leading to the development of keloids.

Benign Growths or Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) are generally associated with dark-skinned individuals, just as freckles can be associated with fair-skinned individuals. This is simply due to genetics making you more prone.

Ashiness is more likely to be visible in those with darker skin tones. For example, black people have decreased ceramides and therefore may be more prone to ashiness, dry skin and medical conditions such as eczema. There are products to combat ashiness, and your dermatologist can provide recommendations.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mitchell, call 419.871.3737.

Hope Mitchell, MD
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Hope Mitchell, MD, is the founder and medical director of Mitchell Dermatology and an Ohio board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist with over 25 years of experience and expertise. Dr. Mitchell obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Rochester and Doctorate of Medicine from The Medical College of Ohio, where she also completed an internship in Internal Medicine and a Pathology Fellowship. She also completed a residency in dermatology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, and is certified by the American Board of Dermatology. She advocates mentorship, education, and diversity in medicine and dermatology. She is the founder of the Mitchell Dermatology Student Gap Year Internship Program. She has been featured in many newspapers and magazines and is also a speaker for Google and Black Women in Media too. Dr. Mitchell is the Vice Chair and Director of Research for The National Medical Association, Dermatology Section. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and a Member of the Skin of Color Society and National Medical Association.

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