Diane Donofrio Angelucci

Although dermatologic conditions most apparently affect the skin, dermatologists commonly encounter three types of psychodermatologic disorders where the mind and skin may interact, according to John Koo, M.D., professor and vice chairman, department of dermatology, University of California, San Francisco Medical Center.

Patients with skin of color cope with a number of skin concerns, but treatment advances are helping dermatologists treat these patients effectively. Pigmentation changes are a major concern for these patients, experts say.

When treating patients with skin of color, dermatologists face a number of challenges, and they must choose products and therapies carefully. Diagnosis is the first challenge; common dermatological conditions may have a slightly different appearance in skin of color, depending on the hue of a patient's skin, says Charles Crutchfield III, M.D.