Opinion
Video
Author(s):
Expert dermatologists review the presentation of psoriasis in patients with skin of color and the challenges physicians face in diagnosing psoriasis in this patient population.
This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Linda Stein Gold, MD; Mona Shahriari, MD, FAAD; and Seemal Desai, MD.
The speakers focus on managing psoriasis in patients with skin of color, addressing disease presentation and its impact on quality of life.
An expert dermatologist notes that psoriasis often presents differently across patient demographics, with studies suggesting it's less common among black populations. However, underreporting and underdiagnosis may skew these statistics due to differences in healthcare access and utilization among different racial groups.
The speaker underscores the challenges in diagnosing psoriasis in patients with skin of color, noting the lack of training and representation in medical education materials. She highlights variations in disease presentation, such as erythema appearing violet or gray, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
The speaker emphasizes the underdiagnosis of psoriasis severity, particularly in patients with skin of color, and the importance of thorough examinations, including total body checks and assessment of nail involvement. He stresses the need for heightened awareness among healthcare providers to accurately diagnose and manage psoriasis in patients with skin of color.
Overall, the exchange emphasizes the need for improved education, increased awareness, and comprehensive evaluations to optimize the treatment of psoriasis in patients with skin of color.
Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by HCPLive editorial staff.