Skin of colour: Characteristics and disease

Skin colour varies from pale white to very dark. fitzpatrick’s skin phototypes are based on the person's skin colour and its response to sun exposure in terms of burning and tanning of the skin. fitzpatrick’s type 1v-v1 is known as the skin of colour and type 1-111 is the fair or white skin. the colour of the skin and texture of the hair are the most apparent phenotype to differentiate the different races; this correlates closely with the geography and ultraviolet radiation of the sun. there are notable differences in skin disease incidence,presentation,and treatment based on skin type. differences in skin anatomy and physiology between the fair skin and the skin of colour may explain disparities in skin disorders and provide insight into appropriate differences in the management of cutaneous disease. differences in culture and habitsmay produce skin lesions unknown to the local physicians. temperature,humidity and rainfall are closely interwoven with the fauna and flora of the area. hot and humid climate favours bacterial and fungal infections. today in this multicultural society due to globalization,a physician has to see patients from all over the globe. there is a need for the physicians to know the diseases of people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds for early diagnosis and treatment. © 2017,pakistan medical association. all rights reserved.