Skin of Color in Dermatology

A term that describes individuals from various racial and ethnic groups who share common skin characteristics and disorders, including increased pigmentation, propensity for pigment changes, and higher skin phototypes.

Individuals who are typically identified as SOC often belong to these US Census categories: American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black, and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander.

The underrepresentation of SOC individuals in dermatological education, research, and the workforce, leads to limited understanding of specific skin conditions affecting these populations.

Many dermatological disorders disproportionately affect SOC populations due to limited understanding and treatment options.

Physicians from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups are more likely to serve underserved populations, including those with SOC.

Studies have shown that while patient-dermatologist racial concordance is preferred for a positive experience, it's not a requirement. Instead, patient satisfaction is associated with the dermatologist's knowledge about Black skin and hair, and their culturally sensitive approach.

Increasing the number of URiM faculty can improve cross-cultural understanding and ensure culturally sensitive care for all patients, particularly those with SOC.

Data comparing US medical school applicants and matriculants to the general population reveals an underrepresentation of African American/Black and American Indian/Alaskan Indian individuals.

Words like "As well", "In addition", and "For example" are used to add more details and examples to a main idea.

Words like "However" and "Instead" show different perspectives and create a contrast.

Words like "One approach" and "To help" suggest solutions and explain why they are needed.

Words like "Identifies", "Including", and "Characterized by" are used to define and categorize things.

This refers to the lack of representation of people of color in dermatology, research, and education.

The term "Skin of Color" (SOC) refers to individuals from specific racial and ethnic groups who share similar skin characteristics, disorders, and reactions to treatment.

SOC encompasses individuals from various racial and ethnic groups including American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black, and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander.

The 'Skin of Color' (SOC) population experiences underrepresentation in dermatologic education and research, highlighting a need for greater focus on their specific needs.

Classification is used to identify racial and ethnic groups and their shared traits that fall under the category of "Skin of Color" (SOC).

Exemplification provides specific examples of characteristics like increased pigmentation and unique reaction patterns that are common within the 'Skin of Color' (SOC) population.

Contrast and clarification are used to emphasize the disparity between physicians' interactions with 'Skin of Color' (SOC) patients and the resulting impact on treatment and communication.

Recommendations are made to improve representation and understanding of 'Skin of Color' (SOC) within the medical field, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.

Transitional words and phrases like "identifies", "including", "characterized by", and "historically underrepresented" help connect ideas and create a clear flow within the text about 'Skin of Color' (SOC).