Understanding Dermatology Challenges in Skin of Color: Real Cases Explored

At the 2025 SDPA Annual Summer Dermatology Conference in Washington, DC, Dr. Ginette Okoye, a skin of color dermatology expert, discussed 'Diagnostic Dilemmas: Complex Cases in Skin of Color.' She highlighted the challenges in diagnosing dermatologic conditions in richly-pigmented skin, where visual cues can be misleading.

Dr. Okoye presented real case studies focusing on inflammatory, pigmentary, infectious, and autoimmune diseases that can mimic each other in individuals with skin of color. Attendees learned to differentiate between common and uncommon conditions in darker skin tones and avoid delayed or missed diagnoses.

During the session, Dr. Okoye shared a case of an 11-year-old with muscle weakness and skin discoloration. She emphasized the importance of recognizing proximal muscle weakness in dermatomyositis and screening for cancer risk in these patients.

Dr. Okoye stressed the significance of pattern recognition, thorough clinical assessment, and culturally competent communication in diagnosing skin conditions in diverse populations. Attendees were urged to adopt a patient-centered approach for accurate diagnosis and management.

For more information on this topic and other highlights from the 2025 SDPA Conference, visit the latest conference coverage.

According to the source: HCPLive.