Why Skin Tone Should Never Affect Your Care
When you walk into a dermatology clinic, you naturally expect to receive expert advice, an accurate diagnosis, and treatment that is effective for your specific skin needs. However, for many people with darker or more diverse skin tones, this experience can feel uncertain or frustrating. You might have felt at some point that your skin concerns were dismissed or not fully understood, or that it was difficult to find a dermatologist who truly recognises the unique characteristics of your skin. Unfortunately, these feelings are valid skin health disparities are a very real and pressing issue in the UK today.
One major challenge is that many dermatology textbooks, training programmes, and diagnostic tools have historically been developed with lighter skin tones as the standard. This means that skin conditions often present differently on darker or more pigmented skin, but these differences aren’t always well-recognised or taught. As a result, people with skin of colour face delayed diagnoses, frequent misidentification of conditions, and treatments that may not work as well or are even inappropriate. This gap in knowledge and care has serious consequences not only for physical health but also for emotional wellbeing and trust in healthcare services.
At The London Dermatology Centre, we believe that everyone deserves dermatological care that acknowledges and respects their unique skin type. That’s why we’re committed to providing inclusive, evidence-based care tailored specifically to all skin tones. Our aim is to bridge this gap and ensure that every patient receives the precise diagnosis and effective treatment they need no matter their skin colour.
The Hidden Inequality in Skin Health
Dermatology is one of the most visually oriented fields in medicine. Accurate diagnosis depends largely on what a healthcare practitioner can see and interpret from the skin’s appearance. However, this reliance on visual cues reveals a significant problem: most medical training in the UK and around the world has historically centred on white or lighter skin tones. According to a 2021 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, a mere 4.5% of images in medical textbooks and training materials represent darker skin tones. This glaring imbalance in educational resources perpetuates a cycle of limited awareness and understanding. The consequences of this lack of representation are profound. Common skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and melanoma often present differently on Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) patients compared to those with lighter skin. For example, a condition that appears as obvious redness or inflammation on white skin might show up as brown, purple, grey, or even subtle changes on darker skin tones. These variations can easily be overlooked or misinterpreted by clinicians who are not trained to recognise the signs on diverse skin types.
When healthcare providers are unaware of how symptoms manifest differently across skin tones, the risk of misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or inappropriate treatment increases significantly. This not only affects physical health outcomes but can also erode trust between patients and the healthcare system. The underrepresentation of darker skin in dermatological education contributes directly to health inequalities, leaving many patients without the care and attention they need.
Recognising and addressing these disparities is essential to improving skin health equity across the UK. By expanding medical education, improving resource diversity, and promoting specialist knowledge in skin of colour, the healthcare system can take meaningful steps to close this gap.
Real Consequences of a Biased System
Let’s be clear this issue goes far beyond academic gaps or educational shortcomings. The impact of dermatology’s lack of inclusivity is deeply personal and affects real lives every day. Studies from the NHS Race and Health Observatory have revealed troubling patterns: Black and South Asian patients often experience longer wait times for diagnosis and receive fewer effective or timely treatments compared to their white counterparts, even when presenting with the same skin conditions. These disparities highlight systemic inequalities that contribute to worse health outcomes for ethnic minority groups.
Melanoma is one of the most striking examples of this problem. While melanoma is generally less common among people with darker skin tones, those who do develop it tend to be diagnosed much later and as a result, face significantly higher mortality rates. Why is this the case? Because melanoma in these patients frequently appears in less typical locations, such as the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, or beneath the nails areas that are often overlooked during routine skin examinations and standard screenings. This delayed recognition means treatment starts later, reducing the chances of a full recovery.
The problem is not simply one of ignorance or individual error; it reflects a healthcare system that was historically designed around the needs and appearances of the majority population, often excluding minority groups. This systemic bias has tangible, harmful consequences that must be urgently addressed. The need for a more inclusive and equitable dermatology service is clear one that is built to serve everyone, regardless of skin tone.
This means:
- Improving training and resources to include diverse skin types and conditions.
- Raising awareness among healthcare professionals about how your skin diseases present differently across ethnicities.
- Ensuring skin checks include all potential melanoma sites, not just common areas.
- Reducing wait times and improving access to dermatology services for ethnic minority patients.
- Promoting research focused on skin health disparities to inform better treatments.
Without these changes, many patients will continue to face unnecessary risks and poorer health outcomes simply because their skin doesn’t fit the traditional medical “norm.”
How We’re Making Dermatology More Inclusive
At The London Dermatology Centre, our mission is to provide you with truly inclusive dermatology care. This means more than just welcoming people from all backgrounds it means we actively tailor our approach to meet your unique skin needs, especially if you have skin of colour.
We know that your skin isn’t like anyone else’s, and conditions like vitiligo, lichen planus, or keloids can look and behave differently depending on your skin tone. That’s why we make sure our clinicians receive continuous training to understand these differences deeply. We use diagnostic images and examples that cover a wide range of complexions, so we’re better equipped to spot issues on all skin types.
When it comes to your treatment, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we take the time to understand your skin and lifestyle, so we can personalise your care plan specifically for you.
Here’s what you can expect from our inclusive approach:
- Care that respects and understands the unique qualities of your skin.
- Use of diagnostic tools and imagery that represent your skin tone accurately.
- Clinicians trained regularly to recognise how skin conditions show up differently across various complexions.
- Treatment plans designed just for you no assumptions, just personalised solutions.
- Clear explanations about your condition and options, so you feel confident and informed.
- A welcoming, supportive environment where your concerns are heard and valued.
We’re here to make sure your skin health gets the expert attention it deserves, no matter your skin tone.
Personalised Treatment That Respects Your Skin
We understand that when it comes to dermatology, your skin deserves care that’s made just for you. Treatments that work well for some might not suit your skin tone or type especially if you have darker or more pigmented skin. Procedures like laser therapy, chemical peels, and topical steroids require extra care because they can sometimes lead to unwanted effects like pigmentation changes, uneven skin tone, or scarring if not handled properly. That’s why we always take the time to get to know your skin’s unique biology before recommending any treatment.
But it’s not just about your skin’s science we also want to hear about your cultural background, lifestyle, and past experiences with skincare. Your preferences and daily routine matter because they help us build a treatment plan that fits your life and respects your personal needs. Whether you’re managing acne, dealing with hyperpigmentation, coping with keloids, or treating scalp conditions, your care is designed specifically for you.
Inclusive dermatology means understanding your skin inside and out and making sure you get safe, effective, and personalised care. We want you to feel confident, supported, and informed at every step, knowing that your treatment is tailored just for you.
Here’s what personalised, respectful treatment means for you:
- Taking extra precautions with treatments like lasers, peels, and steroids to avoid pigmentation issues or scarring.
- Learning about your skin’s specific biology to choose the safest and most effective options.
- Listening carefully to your cultural preferences and lifestyle to tailor your care.
- Designing treatment plans that address your unique skin concerns, whether acne, pigmentation, scars, or scalp issues.
- Providing clear explanations so you understand your options and feel confident in your care.
- Ensuring ongoing support and adjustments as your skin responds to treatment.
Your skin is unique, and your care should be too. We’re here to make sure it is.
Empowering You with Education
We truly believe that understanding your skin is one of the most powerful tools you can have in managing your health and confidence. Too often, people with skin of colour have been told their concerns are simply “normal” or untreatable leaving them feeling frustrated, overlooked, and unheard. We want to change that narrative for you and ensure you feel seen and supported every step of the way.
During your consultation, we take the time to explain your skin condition clearly and in detail. We’ll show you why it might appear differently on your skin tone and what that means for accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment options. Our goal is to give you the knowledge and confidence to take control of your skin health. We encourage you to ask questions and become an active participant in your care, because the more you understand, the better decisions you can make for yourself.
Beyond your appointment, we provide you with personalised resources and aftercare advice tailored specifically to your skin type, cultural background, and unique concerns. There is no generic, one-size-fits-all recommendations here because your skin deserves care and guidance that truly fits you and your lifestyle.
Here’s what you can expect from our educational approach:
- Clear, easy-to-understand explanations about your skin condition and how it affects you.
- Information on why skin conditions can look different across various skin tones.
- Practical advice on how to manage and care for your skin day-to-day.
- Resources and aftercare tailored specifically to your skin type and cultural needs.
- Ongoing support to help you feel empowered in your skin journey.
We’re here to make sure you never feel left in the dark about your skin health again.
The Need for Systemic Change
While we are proud of the inclusive care we provide at our clinic, it’s clear that the wider healthcare system still has a long way to go. The lack of diversity in medical education means many healthcare professionals are not fully equipped to recognise or treat conditions in darker skin tones. This gap leads to delayed diagnoses, misdiagnoses, and inadequate treatment for many patients. To truly close this gap, we need systemic change: more diverse and inclusive training for doctors and nurses, greater representation of all skin tones in medical textbooks and teaching materials and increased clinical trials that include participants from all ethnic backgrounds.
It’s also crucial that GPs receive ongoing education about how skin conditions present differently across various skin tones, so they can provide accurate referrals and early interventions. Without these changes at the root of the system, inequalities will continue to persist.
Until these essential reforms become widespread, clinics like ours are stepping forward to offer what should already be standard practice: compassionate, personalised care that recognises, respects, and values every patient equally no matter their skin colour or background.
We believe every patient deserves not just to be seen, but to be truly understood and cared for, and we’re committed to leading the way in making inclusive dermatology the norm, not the exception.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why does my skin condition look different from examples I’ve seen online or in leaflets?
Because most dermatology images are based on lighter skin tones, many common skin conditions look different on skin of colour. What’s red on fair skin might appear grey, purple, or brown on yours. That’s why it’s important to see a dermatologist who understands those variations.
2. I feel like my concerns aren’t taken seriously by other doctors. Is that common?
Sadly, yes it happens far too often. If you’ve felt dismissed or unheard, you’re not alone. At our clinic, we take the time to listen, understand, and explain everything in a way that relates to your experience.
3. Do you offer treatments that are safe for darker skin tones?
Absolutely. We personalise every treatment plan based on your skin type. Whether it’s laser therapy, peels, or skincare products, we always consider how your skin may react and adjust accordingly.
4. Can I get help for hyperpigmentation or acne scars?
Yes, and we see this a lot in skin of colour. We’ll assess your skin properly and talk through treatment options that work without making the problem worse.5. I’ve been told my condition isn’t treatable. Should I still come in?
Definitely. Many patients have heard the same thing before visiting us. Often, the issue is treatable it just wasn’t handled in a way that considered your unique skin biology. Let’s talk it through together.
References:
- Bradford, P.T. (2009). Skin cancer in skin of color. Dermatology Nursing, 21(4), pp.170–177. Available at: https://www.dermatologyjournal.org/skin-cancer-in-skin-of-colour (Accessed 9 Jun 2025).
- Adelekun, A., Onyekaba, G. and Lipoff, J.B. (2021). Skin color in dermatology textbooks: An updated evaluation and analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 84(1), pp.194–196. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2020.03.108
- NHS Race and Health Observatory (2021). Tackling ethnic health inequalities in healthcare: Dermatology. [online] Available at: https://www.nhsrho.org/publications/dermatology-disparities/ (Accessed 9 Jun 2025).
- Mahendran, R. and Levell, N. (2022). Inclusive dermatology: Training tomorrow’s clinicians for all skin types. BMJ Opinion. (online) Available at: https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2022/09/27/inclusive-dermatology-training-tomorrows-clinicians-for-all-skin-types/ (Accessed 9 Jun 2025).
- British Association of Dermatologists (2023). Eczema in skin of colour: Clinical guidance for diagnosis and treatment. (online) Available at: https://www.bad.org.uk/ (Accessed 9 Jun 2025).