Unusual patterns of common dermatoses in blacks

The unique manner in which black skin reacts to cutaneous disturbances and the unique patterns that these dermatoses exhibit can sometimes cause difficulties in correctly diagnosing skin eruptions. While more attention has been focused on those dermatoses that are peculiar to blacks, and while most physicians are aware of and able to recognize them, there are other, common dermatoses that are seen but that have peculiar, less well-known, appearances. This paper highlights the differences that we often see when faced with the black patient who has a common dermatosis.