Your Skin Health
Empowering Communities
Events
Skin Health is More Than Skin
- Misunderstood or minimized
- Dismissed as just “cosmetic”
- Hard to talk about because of shame or guilt
Why Seeing a Dermatologist Matters
- Early diagnosis can help prevent long-term skin damage, discomfort, and stress.
- Many skin conditions can get worse without proper treatment—even if they come and go.
- A dermatologist can work with you to find the best medicine for your condition and help you take care of your skin.
- Some skin issues may look like other conditions—dermatologists are specially trained to tell the difference and make the right diagnosis.
Empowering Questions to Ask a Doctor
- “Have you seen this before on someone with my skin tone?”
- “Will my skin get better?”
- “What are my options to treat this—and what should I expect with each one?”
- “Is there any help with the cost of treatment or prescriptions?”
- “Could this be connected to my immune system (the part of the body that works hard to protect you) or something else going on in my body?”
- “Are there things I should avoid—like foods, stress, or products—that might make this worse?
- “Can you explain what’s happening with my skin and what it might mean for my health over time?”
Learn More: Know the Signs
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is a hair loss disorder. It typically causes patches of hair loss that can range from coin-shaped patches to total loss of hair. Alopecia areata can look different for each person.
It is not fully understood why people develop alopecia areata, but if you have a family history of this condition, you may be more likely to develop it.
Tingling, burning, or itching before hair falls out
Sudden, patchy hair loss (can impact scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard)
Hair regrowth may be white or fine before returning to normal
Sometimes, alopecia areata can cause total loss of hair all over the body
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Alopecia Areata is more common among Asian, Black, and Hispanic populations.
How does it develop
Your immune system is a part of your body that works hard to protect you. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease which means the immune system is mistaking part of the body as a threat and is attacking it. In this case, the body is attacking its own hair follicles (the structures that grow hair). This causes hair to fall out and can prevent it from regrowing.
Plaque Psoriasis
Your immune system is a part of your body that works hard to protect you, but sometimes it works overtime. An overactive immune system can cause a skin condition called plaque psoriasis.
It is not fully understood why people develop plaque psoriasis, but if you have a family history of this condition, you may be more likely to develop it.
Thick, raised, scaly patches (elbows, knees, scalp, lower back)
Plaque psoriasis may be more severe in people of color, with more inflammation, thicker plaques, and longer-lasting discoloration
On darker skin tones: May appear purple, gray, or darker brown rather than red
Itchy, painful skin that may crack or bleed
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Plaque psoriasis doesn’t always look the same on all skin tones—it’s often underdiagnosed in communities of color.
What can trigger plaque psoriasis?
Your symptoms may come and go, but there may be triggers that may cause it to become worse. These can be different from person to person, so it is important to know what your triggers may be. Here are some common examples:
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema is the most common inflammatory skin condition. The dry skin that comes with eczema can itch—and scratching it can cause a rash that itches even more, leading to more scratching. This “itch/scratch cycle” can cause skin to crack and bleed, which can lead to infections.
Itching may feel worse at night disrupting sleep
Thickened skin due to repeated scratching
Dry, cracked or scaly skin
Red, purple, brown, or ashen-colored rashes (depending on skin tone)
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In the United States and Europe, eczema is most common in Black communities, followed by White and Hispanic populations.
The exact cause of eczema is still unknown, but there are factors that lead to its development:
Immune system—The immune system plays a major role in eczema. People with eczema can have an overactive immune system.
Genetics—Eczema may run in the family. If your parents have eczema, you are more likely to develop it yourself.
Environment—Pollution, allergens, fragrances, and certain chemicals can all worsen symptoms. Hot weather and sweat on your skin can also worsen eczema symptoms.
Support to Care for Your Skin Deeply
Understand Your Skin Health Better
Get comprehensive guides* to common skin conditions for community leaders and patients. Learn what causes some of the most prevalent and troublesome skin issues, how they are usually treated, and steps anyone can take to work on their skin health—both at home and with the help of professionals.