Search Ethnomed:

   

Self teaching module for the influence of culture and pigment on skin conditions in children

James G. Dinulos, MD and Elinor A. Graham, MD, MPH
Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA

Spring 1999

The following set of slides are used to teach pediatric residents and medical students about the presentation of common skin condition in children with dark skin and from many different cultural backgrounds. Although focused on children, many variations of skin conditions in individuals with dark skin, applies to both children and adults.

Category 1: Pigmentary Changes

Many inflammatory skin conditions cause pigment lability. Superficial inflammatory conditions such as diaper dermatitis, seborrhea, tinea versicolor, and pityriasis alba are common conditions which frequently result in hypopigmentation that resolves over a period of a few months. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation is more intense and persistent in dark skin. These changes may take years to resolve and in some cases may be permanent. They are often a source of great cosmetic distress to the patient. Excoriated acne, impetigo, varicella, lupus, infected atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and scars from burns, lacerations and abrasions are common conditions which cause long-lasting hyperpigmentation.

Category 2: Exaggerated Cutaneous Reaction Patterns to Injury and Inflammation

Category 3: Common Conditions seen in Infancy and Early Childhood

Category 4: Conditions Common in Adolescents and Young Adulthood

Category 5: Skin Manifestations of Cultural Practices


© 1995-2009; University of Washington
Harborview Medical Center
Comments

ethnomed.org