Dermatologic health disparities

Although significant data highlight the extent of health disparities, data regarding dermatologic health disparities are limited. Ethnic minorities, people of low socioeconomic status, the less educated, elderly, and uninsured have poorer melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer outcomes. Atopic dermatitis is more prevalent among ethnic minorities, but whether morbidity is also increased in these populations is unclear. Given the current dermatology workforce shortage, increased patient load from health care reform may have an adverse effect on access to dermatologic care. Additional concerns include status of dermatologic training, insufficient research involving ethnic minorities, and lack of investigation of dermatologic health disparities.