Bridging the gap: How diverse representation can transform dermatological care

In this blog, we have Dr Sundip Kaur Hira, a Dermatology Registrar, highlighting the importance of diverse representation in dermatology. Dr Hira has seen first hand how a lack of diversity in research, education, and patient care can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and poorer health outcomes for people with skin of colour (SoC). Ensuring better representation in dermatology is essential for improving patient care, medical education, and research outcomes.

At the British Skin Foundation, we support research that aims to reduce health inequalities and improve dermatological care for all skin types. Here’s why increasing diversity in dermatology is so important.

Many skin conditions look different in black and brown skin, yet medical training has historically focused on how these diseases appear in lighter skin tones. For example, erythema (redness), a key sign of inflammation, is often difficult to detect in darker skin, making conditions like eczema or psoriasis harder to diagnose.

This can result in:

• Delayed diagnosis and treatment, leading to worsening symptoms.
• Lower patient satisfaction, as conditions are often under-recognised.
• Inaccurate severity assessments, affecting access to the right treatment.

There is also evidence that patients feel more comfortable seeing dermatologists who share their ethnic background. A clinician with personal experience of skin of colour may better understand the challenges their patients face—from how conditions present, to cultural practices that may influence treatment choices.

For many people with SoC, dermatological conditions come with additional challenges. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)—dark marks left behind after acne, eczema, or psoriasis—can cause distress and isn’t always considered in treatment plans. Keloid scars, which form after skin trauma, are also more common in darker skin and require specialised care.

Cultural factors also play a role. Some communities use henna, black hair dyes, or traditional remedies that may cause skin reactions. Additionally, many people with darker skin don’t receive clear guidance on the importance of sun protection, as traditional skincare advice often assumes sunburn is the main concern.

Research plays a key role in shaping dermatology treatments, yet clinical trials have historically lacked diversity. If a new treatment is only tested on lighter skin, we may not fully understand its effectiveness for darker skin tones.

Similarly, medical education is evolving, with more efforts to include images of skin disease across all skin tones. Advances in AI and machine learning are also helping, ensuring that diagnostic tools are trained on diverse datasets, reducing the risk of misdiagnosis.

There is growing recognition of the need for greater diversity in dermatology. To ensure better care, earlier diagnoses, and improved outcomes for all, steps must be taken to:

• Expand medical training to include more images and case studies of SoC.
• Increase diversity in clinical trials to ensure treatments are effective for all skin types.

At the British Skin Foundation, we remain committed to funding research that improves dermatological care for everyone. By increasing awareness and education, we can work towards a future where everyone receives the best possible treatment for their skin.

Dr Sundip Kaur Hira

Dermatology Registrar

Find Dr Hira on Linkedin and Instagram.