Acne in Black Women

Rating:
Summary: Review from Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Review: Acne in Black Women is an information guide for patients in which the author has taken great care to convert the terminology that dermatologists are trained to use into "plain and simple" terms used by the general population. In the preface it is noted that the purpose of this presumptuous booklet is to fulfill the need for an easily understood pamphlet about acne for black people. There is further definition of the term" black" as any skin type other than white, such as Indian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Asian.
The booklet is compact with a table of contents that allows for easy location of each specific topic and lists of medications in table format, providing a quick review of side effects and dosage frequency. In selecting language to explain acne concepts and treatments, the author has certainly achieved the goal of the booklet. The explanations are clear with the frequent use of the term "zit" rather than "comedone" in discussing different types of acne lesions.

The photographic section contains excellent examples of acne lesions and scarring in people of color. The organization of the information first presents acne as mild, moderate, or severe, and the following section on therapeutic options, organizes them based on the author's judgement of their usefulness in those grades of acne. Providing a chart to self-monitor acne organized into different facial zones (forehead, left cheek, right cheek, chin, nose) and types of lesions (whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, dark spots, scars) seems a useful way to involve the patient in a realistic assessment of their response to treatment.

The discussion of treatment options does include medications that are not yet available in the United States such as topical isotretinoin (topical Isotrex) and an oral contraceptive containing cyproterone (Diane). The scheduling and organization of office visits in different parts of the world may be more variable than the every-2-week frequency mentioned.

Overall, the author has understated his accomplishment. The book is a patient information guide that transcends color. "Plain and simple" language may also be appealing to white and male patients.
Reviewed by: Mary E. Shepherd, MD, PhD, Aurora, Illinois (February 2001 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)

Rating:
Summary: Black Skin
Review: I did not know that there were differences between black skin and white skin This book has a table which explains this perfectly and the author has gone to some effort to show that the reaction pattern with white skin is always different to that in white skin Now I understand why I get all those black spots on my face chest and back In addition the book told me what to do about these dark spots

Rating:
Summary: Acne in Black Women
Review: I thought this book would give more details on skin differences among different races. I didn't see much information on specifically black skin. There were few lines on black skin. The information on what type of medicines that could be used on colored skin was helpful. He was also helpful in describing some techniques and medications that are used by dermatologists.