Epidemiology of skin diseases in ethnic populations

The spectrum of cutaneous disease occurring in ethnic populations is as broad and diverse as the ethnic populations themselves. Many skin diseases are seemingly common to most of the ethnic populations, however, including blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans. These diseases include acne vulgaris; pigmentary disorders; eczematous dermatitis; and infection caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Diseases of a more cosmetic nature have emerged over recent years and include the pigmentary disorders melasma and postinflammatory pigmentation, acne keloidalis nuchae, scalp and facial folliculitis, keloidal scarring, alopecia, and photoaging. The identification of cutaneous diseases affecting the rapidly increasing ethnic populations serves to focus resources both research and clinical in these areas.