Does Darker Skin Affect Psoriasis Diagnosis & Treatment Options?

When was the last time you read a psoriasis pamphlet tailored to the Black and brown community? Or how about a time when you watched a commercial that explains how psoriasis affects Black and brown people differently? Slim to none, right? The media is often known to express/represent only one perspective as it pertains to psoriasis, and that perspective is how it affects white people/ people with lighter skin tones.  Psoriasis is a skin condition in which the cells build up and form scales and dry, itchy patches on the skin. This can happen throughout the body, but common spots are the knees, elbows, scalp and legs. Psoriasis requires medical diagnosis and should be treated sooner than later.  Symptoms of psoriasis:  Dry skin Rashes on the skin Flakiness and/or peeling on the skin Small bumps covered with scales Small dents on nails Inflamed tendons Joint stiffness Psoriasis looks and feels completely different on people with browner/darker skin tones. This may directly affect the diagnosis, proper treatment plans, and even quality of life for Black and brown people. Why? The Black and brown community tends to be underrepresented in research (medical studies/educational material) and in healthcare environments. This leads to misdiagnosis....