10 Medications That Impact Darker Skin in Unique Ways—Understanding the Importance

Clinical trials are vital for advancing medical science, as they assess the safety and efficacy of new treatments and devices. Despite this, individuals from minority backgrounds often remain underrepresented in these crucial studies. Dr. Geeta Yadav, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology, notes the historical bias, stating that medications have predominantly been tested on white, non-Hispanic males. This exclusion can exacerbate health inequalities and foster distrust in healthcare systems. A recent review in *Human Genomics* highlights how melanin, the pigment responsible for skin tone, influences drug interactions, emphasizing the need for greater diversity in clinical research. Two types of melanin—pheomelanin and eumelanin—interact differently with various drugs, further complicating treatment outcomes for people with darker skin. Furthermore, skin conditions such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, and eczema are more prevalent among individuals with darker complexions and often go misdiagnosed. Initiatives like the FDA’s Diversity Action Plan aim to enhance participant diversity in clinical trials, ensuring better representation that could lead to more effective treatments.