Page 9 - MayNewsletter2018 (1)

SKIN CANCER IN SKIN OF COLOR
Porcia Bradford Love, MD

MYTH 1: People with darker skin do not need sunscreen.

Everyone, regardless of skin color needs sunscreen. Excessive sun exposure can cause skin
cancer, premature aging, and facial discolorations. People of all skin colors are at risk for skin
cancer. Signs of aging including wrinkling may be worse in Caucasians; however, worsening of
pigmentation disorders such as melasma or dark brown spots from acne are generally more
prevalent in darker skin.

Here are some examples of disorders that are more common in patients with darker skin and
made worse with excessive sun exposure:

Melasma. Melasma appears as symmetrical
blotchy, brownish pigmentation on the face. It is
more common in women that tan well or have
naturally brown skin. Known triggers include sun
exposure and hormone changes. It also runs in
families.

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from
acne. PIH is discoloration that is left on the skin
after an underlying skin condition has healed. It is
common after acne, eczema, allergic reactions, Idiopathic guttate
and trauma (ie, burns). It is more common in hypomelanosis (IGH).
darker skinned individuals. These are tiny, flat white
spots often found on the
shins and forearms. The
cause is unknown. They
are more common in
Lupus. Lupus of the skin is an autoimmune women and more
condition often triggered by excessive sun noticeable in patients
exposure. Lupus of the skin predominately affects with darker skin. IGH is a
the cheeks, nose, and ears. A red, scaly rash may sign of aging and likely
develop on the face and leave white scars. Women related to excessive sun
are more commonly affected. exposure.

Recommendations for sun protection in patients with skin of color
• Seek shade whenever possible.
• Wear sun protective clothing.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade the face and neck, and shoes that cover the entire foot.
• Wear sunglasses with ultraviolet-absorbing lenses.
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun-protection factor of 30 or greater.
• Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. When outdoors, reapply
every 2 hours to all exposed skin, and after perspiring or swimming.
• Avoid exposure to indoor tanning beds.

References
1. Agbai, ON, et al. Skin cancer and photoprotection in people of
color. JAAD. 2014 Apr; 70 (4): 748-62
2. www.aad.org
3. www.dermnetnz.org

Dr. Porcia Bradford Love, Board-certified Dermatologist www.montgomerydermatology.com

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