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Acne on Pigmented Skin

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Acne

Part of the book series: Updates in Clinical Dermatology ((UCD))

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Abstract

Acne occurs in patients of all races and ethnicities. In patients with pigmented skin, acne is very common. As far as morphology of acne lesions is concerned, no significant differences exist between Caucasian and non-Caucasian skin; however, nodular acne is likely to be less frequent in patients with pigmented skin. The anatomic distribution of the lesions is similar in all races. Pomade acne is caused by the chronic application of oily products that are used to smooth the hair. It is characterized by more or less numerous closed comedones, with occasional papules and pustules, located mainly on the forehead and temples. A very common and important complication of acne in patients with pigmented skin is postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is characterized by brown to black macules, of different morphology and size, located mainly on the face. Additional complications of acne in patients with pigmented skin are scars and keloids. The treatment of acne is superimposable in all skin phototypes. In order to improve tolerability and compliance of topical anti-acne therapy in patients with pigmented skin, it is helpful to begin the treatment with the lowest concentration of the drug; to use a cream or an aqueous gel as vehicle; to apply the drug every other day, with gradual increase to daily use; to apply a moisturizer; and to use a gentle cleanser. Furthermore, photoprotection is extremely important.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy

    Stefano Veraldi, Andrea Giuseppe Faraci & Mauro Barbareschi

Authors
  1. Stefano Veraldi
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  2. Andrea Giuseppe Faraci
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  3. Mauro Barbareschi
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Correspondence to Stefano Veraldi .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (Republic of)

    Dae Hun Suh

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Veraldi, S., Faraci, A.G., Barbareschi, M. (2021). Acne on Pigmented Skin. In: Suh, D.H. (eds) Acne. Updates in Clinical Dermatology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-68996-4_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-68996-4_12

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-68995-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-68996-4

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