The color of skin: psychiatric ramifications

Skin color is one of the major attributes that defines both individual distinctiveness and differences between groups. There is a preference for lighter skin world-wide, among both light- and dark-skinned individuals, further leading to skin-color bias based upon skin-color hierarchy within certain ethnoracial groups. The psychiatric and psychosocial ramifications of skin color are important in several situations, including (1) disorders of skin discoloration (eg, vitiligo), which can significantly affect the psychosocial development of the patient especially when it has its first onset during adolescence; (2) widespread use of skin-lightening products, which are used despite knowledge about serious toxicity from inorganic mercury and potent corticosteroids that are some of their main constituents; (3) indoor tanning, which is a recognized carcinogen and practiced by over 50% of university-age adults and 20% of adolescents. Educating about photocarcinogenicity does not change tanning behaviors, which is strongly driven by peer pressure; and (4) when a psychiatric disorder, such as body dysmorphic disorder or major depressive disorder, is the primary basis for skin color dissatisfaction. Despite the role of complex sociocultural and psychiatric factors in clinical manifestations involving skin color, a supportive relation with the dermatologist can significantly aid the patient in managing their disease burden.