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The article focuses on the prevalence of vitiligo and the increasing reliance of the vitiligo community on online sources for diet-related information. It study aims to summarize diet suggestions from frequently visited websites regarding vitiligo symptoms, revealing limited scientific evidence supporting these recommendations and emphasizing the need for controlled clinical trials to assess the accuracy of online dietary advice for vitiligo.

A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology examined the use of camouflage in individuals with vitiligo, a condition characterized by depigmented areas on the skin. The study found that almost half of the respondents used some form of camouflage, such as makeup or medical tattoos, to conceal their vitiligo. The study also found that age, gender, and race/ethnicity influenced the use of camouflage. The findings suggest that patient education and the use of camouflage can improve the quality of life for individuals with vitiligo, especially those with skin of color. The study highlights the challenges faced by users in finding the correct shade and emphasizes the need for increased patient education and discussions with dermatologists about camouflage options, particularly for younger individuals and those from socially marginalized groups. [Extracted from the article]

Cross-sectional analysis of skin lightening and skin bleaching practices on social media. By doing so, they can have honest conversations with their patients about perceived and desired skin tones and take a culturally sensitive approach in educating on the risks of skin bleaching practices. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Physician assistants (PAs) are often members of dermatologic care teams. Adequate knowledge of dermatologic conditions in skin of color (SOC) is crucial to proper diagnosis, treatment, and patient satisfaction. The objective of this study was to increase PA students' objective knowledge of and comfort level with evaluating dermatologic conditions in SOC., Methods: Eligible participants included 36 PA students at a major metropolitan medical center during the 2022 to 2023 academic year. A preintervention survey, immediate postintervention survey, and 7-month follow-up postintervention survey were administered before and after a SOC lecture. The surveys concluded with a 10-question, image-based, multiple-choice examination., Results: There was a significant increase in accurate diagnoses of acne scarring, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis in SOC (59.4% preintervention to 76.9% postintervention, P = .029). Student confidence, as rated on a scale of 1 (minimally confident) to 5 (extremely confident), in diagnosing these conditions increased from 2.97 to 3.52 (P = .036)., Discussion: Implementation of a SOC-specific dermatology lecture significantly increased the accuracy and confidence with which PA students diagnosed dermatologic conditions., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 PA Education Association.)

Skin lightening (SL) is a practice involving the use of chemicals to lighten the skin that is more common among skin of color (SOC) individuals, particularly women, and can lead to adverse health consequences., Objective: In this study, we examine SL habits, including both general lightening and lightening for the treatment of a skin condition, among SOC individuals in the United States and the role of colorism in motivating these behaviors., Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to SOC individuals through ResearchMatch, an online national health registry. Demographics, rates of SL, SL habits, and perceived colorism among SL users and nonusers were collected and analyzed with χ 2 , Fisher's exact, Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Spearman correlation, and t tests., Results: A total of 455 participants completed the survey. Ninety-seven participants (21.3%) reported using SL agents: 73.2% (71/97) used SL agents for the treatment of a skin condition and 26.8% (26/97) used the products for general SL. Only 22.6% (22/97) of SL users consulted a medical provider before using the products. Forty-four participants (45.4%) were unaware of their SL product ingredients, and 35.1% (34/97) reported using hydroquinone-based products. Composite colorism scores were significantly higher in SL users than nonusers (20.03 vs 18.20; P < .001)., Limitations: This study used self-reported racial/ethnic groups to characterize those with SOC rather than assessing actual skin tones of participants, which could have led to variability., Conclusion: SL among SOC individuals is prevalent in the U.S. and poses a health risk, as many SL users are unaware of product ingredients, do not consult a medical provider before use, and have access to potentially unsafe formulations. Dermatologists should address skin tone and pigmentary concerns with their SOC patients., Competing Interests: None., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of Women’s Dermatologic Society.)