Treatments for Skin of Color [book review]

A basic dermatology textbook with practical features, Treatments for Skin of Color presents common diseases and concepts of dermatology. Special considerations of how skin of color patients differ in clinical presentation and treatment are discussed. In addition, quality photographs of skin of color patients are provided. The full text also is offered at the Expert Consult Web site (www.expertconsult.com). The book is divided into 6 major sections including medical dermatology, pigmentary disorders, follicular disorders and alopecias, tumors (benign and malignant), cosmetics, and complementary and alternative medicine. The chapters in each section are organized according to a standard format. The first 4 sections include succinct clinical information, applicable photographs, and valuable pearls pertaining to skin of color. The authors describe how treatment practices may need to be tailored to cultural practices. For example, frequent use of shampoos for seborrheic dermatitis may be harsh on chemically treated hair or tightly coiled hair in women with skin of color; therefore, weekly use of a medicated shampoo may be more appropriate. Pearls in this book such as this one help to expand the clinician’s understanding of skin of color practices.