Problems with skin pigment or color-too much or too little can be a real concern if you're black. They show up more and are more apparent because of the greater contrast between the normal and problem skin, and they last longer than pigmentary problems in others.

 

Even though this may sound strange, people of all races have the same number of color-producing cells in their skin. These cells are called melanocytes. The melanocytes in black skin produce more color or pigment and make it faster than white skin. Further, they are larger, more active, and are circulated differently from those in white skin. Because of all this, pigmentary changes in black people are usually more obvious and longer-lasting.

 

Many of the color variations in black skin are normal. For example, black skin is lighter on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet and darker on the gums, the roof of the mouth, and the inner surfaces of the cheeks. Black people often have brown or black stripes on the nails of the thumb and index finger as well as lines of pigmentation on the upper arms.

 

Excessive pigmentation in black skin can be the result of a simple injury, a mild irritation, or from diseases such as acne or eczema. This extra- or hyperpigmentation shows the increased activity of the color-producing cells when the skin is injured or inflamed. It can last for months or years, which can be very traumatic.

 

Hyperpigmentation is often seen in young black people who are being treated for acne. Blacks usually have a reaction to the drying and peeling medications used in acne therapy. The discol­oration can last for years while the patient is using lotions and creams that contain the drying ingredients.

 

Other skin disorders that can cause color variations in black skin are eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, tinea versicolor, and pityriasis rosea. These same conditions, paradoxically, can also cause a loss of pigment or hypopigmentation. Skin injuries and liquid nitrogen treatments used to treat warts and other tumors can also cause pigmentary changes.

 

While there is no easy cure for these annoying pigmentary changes, you can help some of them with cortisone-like creams and ointments which your dermatologist will be able to prescribe.