Update on Contact Dermatitis and Patch Testing in Patients With Skin of Color

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common dermatologic condition that presents with unique features in patients with skin of color (SOC). Additionally, the types of allergens that most frequently cause ACD vary in Black and White patients and are attributed to cultural differences between these 2 groups. Similarly, accurate patch testing in the SOC demographic requires an understanding of the morphologic differences between a positive patch test result in darker skin types compared to lighter skin types. Knowledge of these differences is essential to effectively diagnose and evaluate patients with ACD. There are identifiable disparities in duration of dermatitis affecting patients with ACD who live more than 50 miles from a patch testing center as well as those who live in impoverished areas. Dermatologists should be aware of these factors that impact patient care in appreciable ways so they are better prepared to serve these populations.