Introduction
Acute and chronic skin conditions affecting the appearance of visible skin are associated with both physical and psychological symptoms and lower quality of life.1,2 In individuals with skin of color, visible dyspigmentation may be more apparent.3 Indeed, acne-related post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), dermatosis papulosa nigra, and pseudofolliculitis barbae may be particularly distressing for those with darker skin tones as these conditions primarily present on the face or visible areas.4-6
Today's social media platforms are a portal for information regarding dermatology treatments7,8 and a potential source of anxiety and distress for those with less than perfect skin.9 The reliance of social media on images to both communicate and engage is a double-edged sword. Posting photos can be particularly distressful to those with certain skin conditions and is associated with a negative impact on psychosocial functioning and quality of life, with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and poor self-esteem among adolescents with acne and atopic dermatitis (AD).9-12
Challenging to those with SoC is the underrepresentation of deeper skin tones within the dermatology field. Few13,14 dermatologists are Black (3.0%) or Hispanic (4.2%) and skin tone diversity depicted in dermatology textbooks, medical publications, and dermatology related social media posts is lacking.15-22 Scarcity of visual and practitioner diversity may delay SoC consumers' decisions to pursue dermatology care, thereby prolonging undue psychological hardship.23,24
It is believed SoC consumers with visible skin conditions experience psychosocial and psychological distress which may be exacerbated by concerns related to the suitability of skincare product selection and dermatological care tailored to SoC.
The purpose of this survey was to collect and evaluate SoC consumers' perspectives on dermatologic care, access, and knowledge and to provide insight into their opinions, beliefs, and attitudes about the burden of skin disease on psychosocial health.
Today's social media platforms are a portal for information regarding dermatology treatments7,8 and a potential source of anxiety and distress for those with less than perfect skin.9 The reliance of social media on images to both communicate and engage is a double-edged sword. Posting photos can be particularly distressful to those with certain skin conditions and is associated with a negative impact on psychosocial functioning and quality of life, with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and poor self-esteem among adolescents with acne and atopic dermatitis (AD).9-12
Challenging to those with SoC is the underrepresentation of deeper skin tones within the dermatology field. Few13,14 dermatologists are Black (3.0%) or Hispanic (4.2%) and skin tone diversity depicted in dermatology textbooks, medical publications, and dermatology related social media posts is lacking.15-22 Scarcity of visual and practitioner diversity may delay SoC consumers' decisions to pursue dermatology care, thereby prolonging undue psychological hardship.23,24
It is believed SoC consumers with visible skin conditions experience psychosocial and psychological distress which may be exacerbated by concerns related to the suitability of skincare product selection and dermatological care tailored to SoC.
The purpose of this survey was to collect and evaluate SoC consumers' perspectives on dermatologic care, access, and knowledge and to provide insight into their opinions, beliefs, and attitudes about the burden of skin disease on psychosocial health.
