Jul 13, 2021
Multiple sessions focus on diversity of patient population
Summer Meeting sessions provide perspectives treatment of skin of color.
Individuals with darker skin, such as those of African-American, Asian, Indian, Latin/Hispanic, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or North African descent, are more prone to the condition of melasma. According to the AAD, 90% of people with melasma are women, while only 10% are men.
Although the exact cause is unknown, melasma has been linked to sun exposure and estrogen, and has a little bit of a genetic component.
The Summer Meeting is offering several topical sessions covering this condition, ranging from treatment, cosmetic suggestions for reharmonizing hyperpigmentation, and group support for this underserved category.
- The Skin of Color Symposium (S005) explores the full breadth of dermatologic disease in skin of color patients. Panelists will discuss disease states, using case-based approaches, alongside the latest in drug development, clinical research, and scientific literature. During the symposium, speakers will also discuss the role of dermatologists in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the care of underrepresented populations.
- New | Cosmetic Approaches to Reharmonize Pigmentation in Skin of Color (U020): One of the biggest challenges in managing patients with skin of color is hyperpigmentation due to post-inflammatory changes or conditions such as melasma. Often, a "reharmonizing regimen" is needed to restore a more uniform complexion. Using a case-based approach, speakers will discuss laser and cosmetic procedures that are effective in revitalizing natural skin tone in the skin-of-color population.
There are also several sessions on tap this summer that will address underserved communities:
- You Can Do Community Outreach to Underserved Children and Teens with the AAD’s “Good Skin Knowledge” Program (F009) is a hands-on workshop for developing or enhancing outreach skills to children and teens, with a dermatologist-tested, detailed, and supportive skin education program, vetted by the AAD. Whether it's a neighborhood Girl Scout troop or an after-school program, you'll be teaching structure and function of skin by building models, showing acne as a literally clogged drain, identifying local bugs and plants to avoid, and practicing sun-safe activity with crafts, demonstrations and kid-powered education.
- Improving Access to Care in Rural America (F005): The University of Mississippi has a unique rural academic office 90 miles from the university and an effective rural residency track designed to populate Mississippi with additional rural dermatologists. The effectiveness of this approach in meeting the needs of rural Mississippians compared to free clinics, store-and-forward teledermatology, and the Mississippi Dermatology Project ECHO will be discussed. You will also hear from dermatology resident physicians who will talk about the rural dermatology residency track and the joys of rural dermatology practice.
