Scarring and Dyschromias in Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV-VI: A Review of Dermatologic Treatment Protocols

Managing chronic conditions is an essential aspect of dermatologic care, especially regarding the resolution of inflammatory dermatologic disease and recovery of skin lesions. Short-term complications of healing include infection, edema, dehiscence, hematoma formation, and tissue necrosis. At the same time, longer-term sequelae may consist of scarring and scar widening, hypertrophic scars, keloids, and pigmentary changes. This review will focus on dermatologic complications of chronic wound healing in patients with Fitzpatrick skin type (FPS) IV-VI or skin of color (SOC), with an emphasis on hypertrophy/scarring and dyschromias. It will focus on current treatment protocols and the potential complications specific to patients with FPS IV-VI.

There are multiple complications of wound healing that are more prevalent in SOC, including dyschromias and hypertrophic scarring. These complications are challenging to treat, and current protocols are not without complications and side effects that must be considered when offering therapy to patients with FPS IV-VI.

When treating pigmentary and scarring disorders in patients with skin types FPS IV-VI, it is essential to implement a stepwise approach to management that is conscious of the side effect profile of current interventions. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(7): doi:10.36849/JDD.7253.