African-American Skin Questions
Answered by our
Expert Dermatologist

Q. I am African American and I would like to know is there something to prevent us from getting darker and burning. When I tan I burn.

I'm also a safety officer for my job and many of the employees are African American too and work outside.

Many of us think we can't get skin cancer and I know that is not true. Please give me some helpful information that I can use as well as pass on.

Answer: Yes, wearing sunscreen everyday, using a screen with at least an SPF of 15 and that is broad spectrum with UVA and UVB protection.

Also wearing protective clothing such as wide brim hats, long sleeves, sunglasses, etc.

Q. I have an ugly skin problem. I am African American and I have yellow blotches all over my face. They start off in a circular form and then spread.

Some one told me they might be a ring worm but I have tried many ring worm medicines and nothing is working. Please help.

Answer: This may represent a condition called seborrhoeic dermatitis where people will develop a greasy yellowish-white scaling of the skin.

However, you really need to see a dermatologist to make an accurate diagnosis and give you the correct treatment.