Short Wave Meet the Dermatologists Changing Their Field
Dec 29, 2021
The discussion delves into the critical lack of representation for darker skin tones in dermatological literature. Experts highlight the historical bias affecting diagnoses and care for patients of color. Efforts to improve education and awareness in dermatology are explored, including the establishment of specialized clinics. A new generation of diverse dermatologists is championed, showcasing their commitment to transforming the field for better patient care and addressing systemic racism.
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Underrepresentation of Darker Skin Tones in COVID-19 Research
- Clinical papers on COVID toes often depicted lighter skin.
- This underrepresentation of darker skin tones is concerning, especially given the disproportionate impact of COVID on Black and brown communities.
Visual Diagnosis and Lack of Representation
- Dermatology heavily relies on visual diagnosis, with doctors memorizing disease presentations.
- This reliance on visuals highlights the issue of underrepresentation of darker skin tones in medical literature.
Study on Skin Tone Representation in COVID-19 Literature
- Jenna Lester and colleagues analyzed images in papers on COVID-19 skin lesions.
- They found that 92% depicted lighter skin types (1-3), with a few type 4 and none for darker types (5-6).