Skin disorders of the pigmented skin

a. Skin of color is very susceptible to developing either dark or light patches in response to a variety of factors. Everyday triggers such as: sunlight, scratches, pimples or even rashes can prompt the overproduction or underproduction of melanin causing dark or light discolorations. Pregnancy, medications, oral contraceptives, inflammation from insect bites, trauma or other causes can also cause discoloration of the skin.

b. Razor bumps or Pseudofolliculitis Barbae:

Medically known as Folliculitis Keloidalis or Pseudofolliculitis Barbae.

Some black men, especially those who use razors for cutting hair on the back of their necks, develop keloid-like scars (thick scars) on the back of their necks and below their jaw. The area may itch and sometimes becomes infected. As the beard hair grows back it curls and may turn into the skin. I t may pierce the wall of the hair follicle and under the skin, causing a reaction resulting in bumps.

It also occurs in 5-20% of Caucasians.

c. Keloid scars: When the scar from a cut or wound extends and spreads beyond the size of the original wound. They may very in size, shape and location. Most common places are ear lobes (after piercing), neck, hands and forearms. There are also found in the face, chest and back, more often caused by acne.

d. Flesh moles

Medically known as Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra . It occurs almost exclusively in black people, and most frequently in women. These brown and black raised spots usually appear on the cheeks. They resemble moles or flat warts. They are not cancerous. They are easily removed.

e. Melasma is an acquired form of splotchy, brown pigmentation on the face (forehead, cheeks, and upper lips). It usually affects women, but occasionally is seen in young men who use after-shave lotions, scented soaps, and other toiletries. Melasma is commonly known as “Mask of Pregnancy or Chloasma”. It may result from pregnancy or from oral contraceptive use, or it may arise spontaneously for no apparent reason. It is also more common, in those who have darker complexion and live in areas of the world with intense sun exposure, such as Florida.

Dr. Mowett is a Board Certified Family Physician, who has been specially trained for treatment of pigmented skin conditions. She also knows all the needs and problems of the pigmented skin.